Prometheus Rising by Robert Anton Wilson

CHAPTER ONE

THE THINKER &
THE PROVER

All that we are is the result of all that we have thought. It is
founded on thought. It is based on thought.

                      — Buddha, The Dhammapada

William James, father of American psychology, tells of meeting

an old lady who told him the Earth rested on the back of a huge
turtle.

   ”But, my dear lady,” Professor James asked, as politely as

possible, “what holds up the turtle?”

   ”Ah,” she said, “that’s easy. He is standing on the back of

another turtle.”

   ”Oh, I see,” said Professor James, still being polite. “But

would you be so good as to tell me what holds up the second

turtle?”

   ”It’s no use, Professor,” said the old lady, realizing he was