Last Podcast On The Left
Last Podcast On The Left
"The universe is based upon our perception. We are each, we are creating the entire world within our own minds." — Jack Parsons (as quoted in the episode)
"Both science and magic opened up a seemingly boundless vista of possibilities to he who knows the causes of things. And both can touch the secret springs that set in motion the vast and intricate mechanism of the world." — Sir James George Frazier (as quoted in the episode)
"He was a seeker and explorer. And as someone like him, someone else coming to a conclusion for him just wasn't any fun." — Marcus Parks (describing Jack Parsons' aversion to definitive answers)
This episode delves into the early life and scientific career of Jack Parsons, a pivotal figure in early rocketry and a practitioner of occultism. The narrative traces his childhood in Pasadena, California, his early fascination with science fiction that blurred the lines between imagination and possibility, and his prodigious talent for explosives and propulsion. The hosts highlight how Parsons' personal circumstances, including a wealthy upbringing followed by financial setbacks, shaped his self-taught approach to science. His early experiments with rockets, often conducted in dangerous conditions, illustrate his relentless drive to push boundaries, a trait that would define his life.
The discussion then explores Parsons' immersion into the world of magic, particularly through his encounter with Aleister Crowley's work and the Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.). The episode examines how Parsons perceived a connection between the abstract concepts of quantum physics and the symbolic language of occult rituals. This intersection is presented not as a contradiction, but as a unified pursuit of understanding the fundamental forces of the universe. The narrative emphasizes Parsons' experimental mindset, his lack of interest in conventional morality (good/evil), and his focus on pure exploration and discovery, whether in science or the metaphysical.
Further into the episode, Parsons' academic and professional life is detailed, including his unofficial access to Caltech's facilities, his early collaborations with fellow enthusiasts like Edward Foreman, and the formation of the "Suicide Squad" due to their dangerous experiments. The impact of his scientific expertise is shown through his role in a true crime case, where he helped identify materials used in a car bomb. The episode concludes by setting the stage for Parsons' deeper involvement with the O.T.O. and his exploration of sex magic, highlighting the complex and often contradictory nature of his intellectual and spiritual journey.