We live our lives from A-Z, but forget the other 24 letters in between

We live our lives from A-Z, but forget the other 24 letters in between

Timothy Leary, the American psychologist and writer known for his advocacy of psychedelic drugs and countercultural movements in the 1960s, once famously said, “We live our lives from A-Z, but forget the other 24 letters in between.” This quote encapsulates Leary’s belief in the importance of exploring all aspects of life and not just following a linear path from start to finish.

Leary was a proponent of expanding one’s consciousness through the use of psychedelic substances such as LSD and psilocybin. He believed that these drugs could help individuals break free from societal norms and explore new ways of thinking and being. In this sense, Leary saw life as a journey of self-discovery and personal growth, where one should not be limited by conventional boundaries or expectations.

When Leary talks about living our lives from A-Z, he is referring to the idea of following a predetermined path or set of rules that society has laid out for us. This could mean going to school, getting a job, starting a family, and eventually retiring. While these milestones are important and necessary for many people, Leary believed that there is much more to life than just ticking off boxes on a checklist.

The “other 24 letters in between” represent the myriad possibilities and experiences that exist outside of the traditional framework of life. These could include travel, creative pursuits, spiritual exploration, and personal relationships. Leary encouraged individuals to embrace these opportunities and not be afraid to step outside of their comfort zones in order to fully experience all that life has to offer.