Some of McKenna’s Favorite Words · The Terence McKenna Experience

Some of McKenna’s Favorite Words

He used both “concrescence” and “iridescence” in several of his talks. Here’s a great summary of both by ChatGPT

Concrescence has various meanings depending on context:

1. Philosophical Context (Whitehead’s Process Philosophy)

In Alfred North Whitehead’s philosophy, concrescence refers to the process by which an entity comes into being by integrating multiple pre-existing elements into a cohesive whole. Each new “actual occasion” (moment of experience) emerges through a process of concrescence, where it synthesizes influences from past experiences into a novel unity.

2. Biological Context

In biology, concrescence refers to the growth or coalescence of parts that are originally separate, such as the fusion of embryonic tissues or the joining of bones.

3. Anthropological and Esoteric Context

Terence McKenna, in his explorations of consciousness and time, used “concrescence” to describe the idea of increasing complexity and interconnectedness in human evolution and history, leading to a culminating point where all possibilities converge.

Iridescence is the phenomenon where surfaces appear to change color depending on the angle of view or lighting. This shimmering effect is caused by light interacting with microstructures—often thin layers or fine patterns—resulting in interference, diffraction, or scattering.

Natural Examples:

• Peacock feathers: Microscopic structures reflect different wavelengths of light.

• Soap bubbles: Thin films create colorful, shifting patterns.

• Butterfly wings: Scales on the wings produce varying colors.

• Oils on water: Light reflecting off multiple layers of oil causes interference patterns.

Scientific Basis:

Iridescence occurs due to:

• Constructive and destructive interference: Light waves reflect and combine, enhancing or canceling different colors.

• Microstructure variation: Layers or ridges reflect light differently at various angles.

Applications:

• Textiles: Special fabrics mimic iridescent effects.

• Technology: Anti-counterfeiting measures in banknotes.