THE BOTANY OF DESIRE
Write a 300 word or so essay that examines one of the questions listed below. (Again, 300 words is NOT a word “limit,” but just a guideline, something to shoot for when you are writing.)
The idea behind this writing assignment is to explore Pollan’s thinking with regard to the effects of marijuana smoking. So, in answering these questions, keep in mind that any ideas that come from different sources are simply irrelevant. I say this b/c this topic is an area of interest for some and a number of you may have a lot of additional information. Does Pollan’s thinking explain everything? Is it the last word? Is it the most current scientifically? No, no, and no. But, this doesn’t matter. The idea is to simply explore the ideas he presents (living in the now, the “reducing valve,” “memes” (in their older, original sense), etc.) There is a more than enough to chew on here. Is there more to the marijuana experience than “living in the ‘now’”? Undoubtedly. But, Pollan doesn’t really discuss these matters, so they are irrelevant for this Module. The idea is always to just dig into the text and the ideas of these authors. And, as noted, this is a rich meal as it is.
Here are the questions:
1. At the foundation of Pollan’s understanding of the effects of marijuana is this idea that it allows us to “live in the ‘now’”? Briefly, how does marijuana allow us to live in the present, according to Pollan? Why is living in the present “pleasurable,” as Pollan sees it? Following Pollan’s thinking (or “logic”), why living in the now an experience of “innocence”? How is it “more alive” and “nearer to direct experience? How can it be profound and “revelatory”? (You don’t have to answer all these subquestions. Just pick those that make your strongest case.)
2.Pollan turns to Aldous Huxley who discusses the effects of certain drugs in terms of opening the “reducing valve” through which we normally perceive. What does this mean? What is this “reducing valve”? Connect this idea with the idea of “living in the ‘now.’”
3. How does Pollan understand the phenomenon of “pot-sponsored” “epiphanies” appearing “banal” the “next day” (167 [149])? Talk about this in the context of “living in the ‘now.’” (Here, again, you can go (far) beyond what Pollan actually says if you examine this in light of how one is “living in the present” when high.)
Additional Notes (true for all the writings assignments):
You must support your arguments with the material that was assigned and you must cite it accurately. (Parenthetical reference [in-text citation] is enough. You don’t have to follow any style guide or rules… just make sure your reader [that would be me] can find what you’re pointing to.)
The use of outside sources in these assignments is prohibited. All of the material you use and cite must come from what was assigned in this module. The whole idea of this class is to simply work with the assigned material, to explore and play with these ideas. I’m not looking for “perfection,” just an honest effort. Do the work and trust yourself. (Just make sure your thinking is grounded in the text. The study questions and class discussions are meant to help guide you.) If you use an uncited source and fail to cite it, you will get an “F.” Plagiarism is never acceptable.
Double-spaced is preferred. (You won’t be wasting paper.) Google docs and Apple .pages do not work with Canvas. You will need to resubmit them if use these apps. Use Word (.doc or .docx) or submit a .pdf file.
