zlacker

Look, you’re not wrong about anything. In 2022, I agree with every point you’ve made. But I’m not convinced these same points hold in 1966. Hindsight is 20/20, but there’s also the values and zeitgeist of the time that might not align with what we think now. Two million men were drafted to fight a meaningless war for a corrupt political class, contrary to reports from military analysts who told them the war was unwinable and should be stopped. The most loved president in US history had been assassinated. The most educated youth ever had just entered or was leaving college. Free speech movements and civil rights protests were omnipresent. LSD was a catalyst for changing minds that had been hardened by a 1950s, post-war ennui. The mind was restless and wanted change. This endeavor entailed risk and reward. Leary was a man out of his time. People are still arguing about the results of the Concord Prison Experiment. Leary’s biggest mistake is that he stayed in the US. He should have left the country /before/ he ran into legal problems, and he should have did all his research elsewhere. I’m convinced this was his biggest mistake.

>>sammal+(OP)
> Look, you’re not wrong about anything

Nor you! I was just returning to thank you for posting your original idea to listen to this--I was only clarifying my thoughts before--Leary was human like any of us and I think a progressive, truth-seeking one. It is good to make up our own minds about history with direct sources like this. So, thanks for that and these new comments, which do make sense too.