So, today, I read "Drugs, Hallucinations, and the Search for Reality" in The Shifting Realities of PKD and it just became to damn much. Last week I finally bought a copy of Doors of Perception and read some of that (I'm jumping around books again). I'm not sure if you've read Doors, but there is a section where he's talking about artists, and he mentions something he read about man being able to perceive everything that's going on in the universe at any single point in time, but that man has to filter everything out, except what he needs to know to handle the current situation. And that artists, and mystics, etc. have leaky filters and they get a little more then the rest of us get. And how the Mesc made his filter a little leaky for a little while. Then I read this essay, where he talks about the idea that people with mental problems are getting more sensory information then they should be getting. Their brain isn't filtering it all properly for some reason. And they are seeing parts of reality, that they aren't supposed to be seeing, and they can't deal with it, and their brain just shuts down.
It might seem a little plain right now, but when I read this I got that lovely excitement feeling that you get when you hit on something. Another one of those ideas popped in my head, the ones where you can't quite figure out when you started to think of it, because you've thought it as far back as you can remember. This idea is that what we are doing is preparing ourselves. We are learning to cope with the information that is being filtered. So, that when we take the filter off, we are able to survive with out going completely mad. And when we take the filters off we will become one with the universe. We will understand everything.
And, like I said, I've got a strong feeling that you, are part of my key, and I hope I can help you. Because, ever since 8/25/95 (the night it all started) I've been sure, and have had complete faith in the fact that, when I solve the puzzle box in my head, it will just be the most amazing thing I, or anyone, has ever experienced.
Now, the favor. I need sources. I need some book titles for the pledian stuff you said you and randy are reading right now. I also need a good place to start with Kant, his name has come up again and again since I met you. Also, if you happen to know any web pages with info, I'd be grateful, the money situation is getting tight. Thanks.