Turn on, Tune in and Drop out was a very misunderstood statement coined by Timothy Leary in the 1960’s. It was part of a speech he delivered at a press conference in New York City to promote the benefits of LSD.

“Like every great religion of the past we seek to find the divinity within and to express this revelation in a life of glorification and the worship of God. These ancient goals we define in the metaphor of the present — turn on, tune in, drop out.”

This phrase was intended for people to embrace the cultural changes and separate themselves from the existing class structure. Instead, the conservative leaders ridiculed it and declared it meant; get stoned and abandon all constructive activity.

Turn On meant to go within and become aware of the many levels of consciousness and how to connect to them. (Drugs were one way to do this).

Tune In meant to interact harmoniously with the world around you and express your internal perspective.

Drop Out meant self-sufficiency and a discovery of one’s own ability to choose.

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