Customer Reviews

Principia Discordia

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The _Principia_ is the fundamental book of the Discordian Society. Who, you may ask, are the Discordians?

Simply put, Discordianism is a parody of modern religion founded in the 1950's by a man named Gregory Hill. That's not explaining much, but I'm only a fly in the Taj Mahal of this book's madness and humor.

Basically, this book is an instruction manual on how to consult your pineal gland for information on the teachings of Eris, Greek goddess of discord. The whole thing is a lark and one of the funniest books on religion you'll find (more canted toward humour than the Book of the SubGenius).

This edition, by Steve Jackson Games, is the definitive edition, with 30 additional pages of lunacy and a gorgeous cover. If you've ever wondered who the Illuminati are, or what the word fnord means...well, go ask someone else. This book will spin your head like a top and land it in a labyrinth of silly prose, and you'll laugh all the way to the final pages.

A masterpiece. Hail Eris!

The original Principia Discordia was very much mish mash of near random pages thrown together, and the pages themselves were changed and modified. I've always felt that it should be a continually evolving book, and with this edition including newly created pages, it hits closest to the spirit of discordianism (at least in my opinion).

The other editions I've seen present it almost as a relic of the past, as something to be looked at, and fondly reminisced over. The purple edition did a great interview with one of the creators (and 3 of his personalities if I remember correctly), which is nice, but too stale for me.

I'm sorry to see it out of print.

In summary: This edition of the Principia is particularly good because it features added material, all in the style and theme of the original.

Side note: If you want better reviews of this book, look for the reviews of for the purple and yellow editions (by Omar K. Ravenhurst, and Malaclypse et al, respectively). All editions feature the same original content.

I was browsing through a hobby store one afternoon and a black paperback book with golden enscriptions caught my eye. The enscription read: "The Principia Discordia - or how I foud Goddess and what I did to her when I found her". I became very curious to know what it contained. Without thinking twice I bought the book. I took it home and began to read. I was instantly hooked and couldn't put it down until I had finished it. When I stopped to think about what I had just read I fell to the floor in uncontrollable laughter. After laughing for a while I started crying, and after that I was enlightened. I have recommended this book to everyone I have discussed books with since. It is the second best book I have ever read

Oh dear, I don't think I can write an intelligent review about this.

It's not your typical philosophy book, or scripture as the case may be. It's funny, to be sure. It's also easy to misinterpret, evidenced by people who run around excommunicating everyone for its own sake. The following paragraph may spoil things for some...

Discordianism postulates that all things depend on perspective. 'Reality is the ultimate Rorschach.' There IS such a thing as moral relativism, and what's wrong with that? Throw in Zen, which is inextricably tied to Discordianism, and you're well on your way. Please read Zen Mind, Beginners mind to supplement the wisdom herein contained. After that you may enjoy the Tao Te Ching and Robert Anton Wilson's Prometheus Rising or Carl Sagan's Cosmos. If you don't, you could get confused like the other schmucks farting around out there. Don't be that guy.

Oh, and by reading this I hereby excommunicate you.

Give this book another thousand years and it will replace the bible. My gods it is stupid,funny,genius!!!

This is some of the most fun that religion could be: the revelation of the Goddess of confusion and chaos, known to the Greeks as Eris, to the Romans as Discordia. Is this a joke disguised as a religion or a religion disguised as a joke? Its up to you to decide. fnord.

The Principia Discordia is held to be the greatest book ever written by everyone who's right. (i.e., everyone who agrees with me.) Where else can you find step-by-step instructions for the Turkey Curse? Or the game of Sink? The Principia Discordia is the only book to contain the fifth edition within the fourth edition. Hail Eris!

I adore this edition of the (Principia Discordia)! Nay! "I cherish these holy-moly words given to our prophets Omar & Mal! All who read this sacred scripture should grab a freshly-cut 3ft. 2x4, hold it in front of themselves, pull back, and smack themselves in the forehead several times REAL HARD, or at least until they're in an enlightened state... then proceed too read about our most holy, divine, goddess!" *Rev. Cranium_Chill KSC of the (O.A.F.)*

**The23Days2DoomsdaySociety**

All hail the Goddess! Whether you're a serious Discordian, a casual observer, or a member of another religion looking for a laugh, this book is a must-read. It will provide you new perspective on the effects of religious dogma, offer a refreshing view of our disordered world, and generally give you a good laugh.

partially inspired me to write a sort of practical joke of a bible of my own. religious themes are fun to play with.

As a devoted Christian, I did not consider a creative writing project with a few dirty jokes taboo per say. I wrote a sort of initiation at the end of the Individuate Bible to try to loosen myself up a bit - whatever irrational taboo reaction I had to themes only superficially in conflict with true christianity, I wanted to shake.

Stranger in a Strange Land and Illuminatus Trilogy both had that impact on me. Both seemed to me to present rational world views in conflict with my religious sentiments, yet aligned w/ my spiritual predispositions. Principia Discordia was no different.

I think I may have went a little overboard, being pushed by extreme circumstances.

-> O- o-

<---------------------------------------------------------(look for the treasure chest)

& it rained fruit from the sky