In simple terms, the speaker suggests that their goal is to bring people close to a profound religious or spiritual experience. They want individuals to encounter something far beyond what might be considered unusual, strange, or even bizarre. The aim is to help them approach an experience that goes beyond anything they've ever encountered before.
When delving deeper into this quote, one can infer that the speaker aims to guide people toward a transformative and transcendent experience. This kind of experience is often associated with religious or spiritual awakenings where individuals feel a connection to something larger than themselves. By describing it as "beyond the odd, beyond the strange," the speaker emphasizes the uniqueness and intensity of this encounter. The phrase "verges on the wholly other" highlights that such an experience defies easy explanation—it is something entirely new and different from everyday reality.
Larry Harvey is a well-known figure associated with Burning Man, a large-scale art event held annually in Black Rock Desert, Nevada. Known for his visionary leadership and dedication to fostering creativity and community engagement, Harvey has been instrumental in shaping the unique culture of this festival since its inception. His quote reflects the spirit and goals of Burning Man, which aims to provide participants with profound and life-changing experiences through artistic expression and communal interaction.
