Part One, Stopping The World: Chapter 4, Death Is An Adviser Summary and Analysis

On Wednesday, January 25, 1961, Castaneda asks if he will teach him about peyote, but every time he brings it up, Don Juan only stares with disbelief. They go into the dessert and Don Juan brings up the "uselessness" of Castaneda's self-importance and personal history. Castaneda thinks the old man ridiculous. The old man laughs. Castaneda is about to rest, but Don Juan orders him to go and talk to some plants "in a loud and clear voice." Castaneda refuses. Don Juan blames it on self importance, but decides that he not try to talk to plants until he is comfortable, adding that he can't learn about plants if he is not willing to work.

Castaneda reminds him that he is willing pay, and that...