Heaven and Hell: Appendix 2 Summary and Analysis

Huxley explores the role of visionaries and mystics in the modern, Western world. He states that they are not as common and that there are two reasons for this. These reasons are chemical and philosophical. The philosophical reason is that people do not believe in transcendence and so anyone who thinks they have had a visionary experience is considered to be crazy. The chemical reason is modern individuals modify the chemistry of their bodies through their diet.

The chemical reason that people are skeptical of visionaries is important. In the past, people subsisted on a limited amount fruits, vegetables, meats, and eggs for the majority of the year. Many suffered from vitamin deficiencies, diseases, and psychological problems as a result of the lack of nutrients. When these problems occur, the brain often stops functioning correctly...