shiny_i (3/26): The Mind Parasites by Colin Wilson

A co-worker of mine recommended this “supernatural metaphysical cult thriller” (from the cover), which I’d been reading off and on over the past 6 months. In his own words, the author attempted to convey “that human beings possess enormous reserves of power, of which they are unaware.” An admirable premise, if you ask me, and one that I relate to the powers of the unconscious, collective and individual.

The story centers on a man who uncovers the existence of mind parasites that feed off of man’s despair, fear and ignorance and create internal states of depression and psychosis. The main character and his colleagues learn to tap into themselves and unleash psychokinetic powers that they use to battle the mind parasites. These battles were some of the most interesting passages to read, but I was irked that the characters with these powers were all clearly European upper-class men. There were also some sexist and racist views held by the main character that seemed rather normalized and unchallenged. Maybe that’s why it took me so long to finish the book!