Turn on, tune in, drop out

Turn on, tune in, drop out is a phrase that was popularized in the 1960s by Timothy Leary, a psychologist and advocate for psychedelic drugs. The phrase became a slogan for the counterculture movement and is often associated with the use of LSD and other hallucinogenic substances.

Origin

The phrase "Turn on, tune in, drop out" was first used by Leary during a speech at the Human Be-In event in San Francisco in 1967. The event was a gathering of the counterculture movement, which was characterized by its rejection of mainstream societal norms and its embrace of alternative lifestyles and ideologies.

Meaning

"Turn on, tune in, drop out" is often interpreted as a call to use psychedelic drugs (turn on), embrace the counterculture movement (tune in), and reject mainstream society (drop out). However, Leary later explained that the phrase was intended to encourage people to embrace a state of consciousness where they could be more open to new experiences and ideas, rather than specifically advocating for drug use.

Impact

The phrase "Turn on, tune in, drop out" became a defining slogan of the 1960s counterculture movement. It was widely used in the media and popular culture, and it helped to shape public perceptions of the counterculture movement and the use of psychedelic drugs.

Criticism

The phrase has been criticized for promoting drug use and for its perceived encouragement of dropping out of society. Critics argue that it oversimplifies the complex issues surrounding drug use and societal participation.

Legacy

Despite the controversy, "Turn on, tune in, drop out" remains a significant phrase in American cultural history. It continues to be associated with the 1960s counterculture movement and the broader discussion about the role of drugs in society.

This 1960s related article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it.

50px This psychedelics, dissociatives and deliriants-related article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it.