What do you think?
Rate this book
Dreamstate: A Conspiracy Theory
If life is but a dream, to what do we awake? The central premise of A Conspiracy Theory, is the admittedly ridiculous but incontrovertibly true assertion that the universe does not exist. This is something you can understand conceptually, like watching a documentary about Antarctica, or experientially, like moving to Antarctica. There’s also a related phenomenon where you fall asleep watching the documentary and wake up in the frozen wasteland. That’s gotta be weird, but the truth is that you’re asleep in a barren wasteland dreaming that you’re not, so that’s where waking up gets you. _________________________________ Comments about Jed McKenna's Enlightenment Trilogy. “Jed McKenna is an American original.” -Lama Surya Das “Absolutely marvelous, splendid, perfect books!” -Shri Acharya “These books have profoundly changed my life.” -C. Jensen “These three books are precious gifts to humanity.” -E. De Vries “Thank you for the books. I’ve been waiting all my life for them.” -C. Vankeith “I can think of no other author I’d recommend more highly.” -M.R. Fleming "I say an eternal thank you for the Trilogy. The books continue to challenge my mind and life. I ordered my 4th complete set. Nothing compares to this writing." -J.H. "If you are ready, step into Jed's world. It is intelligent and powerful." -J. Katz Visit Wisefool Press to learn more about Jed McKenna's Enlightenment Trilogy and Dreamstate Trilogy. _________________________________
262 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 21, 2016
43 people are currently reading
258 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 3, 2017
Jed's magnum opus, for sure. The intelligence behind everything, an illustrated map of the dreamstate, a conversation between Alice and Morphious, a long overdue ritualistic burning of A Course in Miracles, a comical yet stark look at the blatant similarities between a dream and your everyday stream of discursive thoughts, and a realistic look at manifestation. Couldn't beat this one with a stick. Enjoy it, as I did, with sips of Jameson, but either way, you will laugh your ass off.
June 6, 2024
Holy book.
February 19, 2026
Dreamstate: A Conspiracy Theory shifts Jed McKenna’s project from dismantling individual illusion to examining the structure of reality itself. If the earlier books focus on self-annihilation, Dreamstate zooms out and asks a more destabilizing question:
What if the world is not just misunderstood—but fabricated?
This is McKenna’s most metaphysical and speculative work. It blends spiritual deconstruction with simulation-like themes, suggesting that “reality” is a constructed dream maintained by collective agreement.
⸻
Core Thesis
Reality is a Dreamstate—a coherent, shared illusion that feels solid but has no independent substance.
This is not presented as metaphor. McKenna treats it as literal:
• The self is unreal.
• The world is unreal.
• The narrative of history, purpose, progress, and identity is a dream architecture.
Enlightenment, then, is not improving the dream—it is recognizing it as dream.
⸻
Key Ideas & Takeaways
1. The Dream Is Self-Stabilizing
The Dreamstate defends itself through:
• social reinforcement
• shared language
• institutions
• belief systems
Anyone who questions its foundation becomes marginalized—not because of conspiracy, but because stability depends on agreement.
⸻
2. There Is No Grand Controller
Despite the subtitle “A Conspiracy Theory,” McKenna clarifies:
• There is no hidden cabal
• No overseer
• No matrix architect
The conspiracy is structural, not personal. The dream sustains itself automatically.
⸻
3. The Self Is a Narrative Construct
Identity exists only inside the dream.
Outside narrative, there is awareness—but no character.
This continues McKenna’s theme:
Enlightenment is the collapse of the “me-story.”
⸻
4. Truth Is Not Liberation
Seeing the Dreamstate does not:
• make you powerful
• make you happier
• improve your life
It simply removes belief.
⸻
5. Collective Awakening Is Impossible
McKenna rejects utopian spirituality.
The dream is too useful, too stabilizing.
Most humans are not meant to wake up—and that’s not a tragedy.
⸻
Tone & Style
• Less combative than earlier works
• More speculative and cosmic
• Philosophically aligned with:
• simulation theory
• Advaita nonduality
• radical idealism
It reads like metaphysics disguised as conspiracy commentary.
⸻
Strengths
✅ Deep, cohesive extension of McKenna’s philosophy
✅ Engages with modern simulation ideas
✅ Forces existential reflection
✅ Conceptually bold and consistent
⸻
Limitations
❗ Highly abstract
❗ Can blur metaphor and literal claim
❗ Offers no grounding or integration
❗ Easy to misinterpret as nihilism
This is philosophical demolition—not guidance.
⸻
Final Verdict
Dreamstate is Jed McKenna’s most expansive articulation of his worldview. It reframes enlightenment not as personal transformation but as recognition that reality itself is a dream construct. Whether taken literally or metaphorically, it destabilizes assumptions at the deepest level.
It’s not a book that comforts.
It’s a book that removes scaffolding.
“The conspiracy isn’t hidden. It’s consensus.”
June 14, 2021
So wise and yet so chill...
I think this was the best book of this trilogy.
In truth, only two things exist, one of which doesn't. The two things are awareness and appearance. Awareness is consciousness, appearance is the content of consciousness, and everything in your I-universe is one or the other. Consciousness is true, the content of consciousness is not. It doesn't get much simpler than that.
Reality. You can't say what it is; you can only say what it isn't. It's inexpressible. The Indians call it Brahman. It's not a person, it's not a thing, it's not a cause. It has no qualities. It transcends permanence and change; whole and part, finite and infinite. It is eternal because its completeness and perfection are unrelated to time. It is truth and freedom."
Intelligence would thus constitute a closed-loop perpetual dream machine in which infinite consciousness (Brahman) creates appearance (as Maya) solely to entertain itself (as Atman). The coherent appearance thus rendered would certainly be devoid of substance and meaning, and may or may not be amusing to behold (the dreamstate).
So, if intelligence exists in truth, it must exist as consciousness, and if so, then it must be true that perfect intelligence and infinite consciousness are the same thing rather than either being a feature of the other. But we can only say all that if we can say that intelligence exists at all, which we can't. We can only say that it really, really seems to exist.
Awareness can't miscreate, but it can misperceive. By creating ego, Brahman introduces the appearance of imperfection into his boringly perfect universe. This gives rise to drama and conflict, and now the universe isn't boring anymore, which is the whole point. Who wants to dream a boring dream?"
Reality must be real since it's in the name, but reality is not true. There is no truality. Reality is subjectively real and truth is objectively true
By removing the magic lens of ego, you are draining the world of its emotional depth and color. The price of truth is illusion, but illusion is the essence of the dreamstate and the dreamstate is your home. Why would you want to break the spell of meaning and awaken to the reality of an empty box?
I think this was the best book of this trilogy.
In truth, only two things exist, one of which doesn't. The two things are awareness and appearance. Awareness is consciousness, appearance is the content of consciousness, and everything in your I-universe is one or the other. Consciousness is true, the content of consciousness is not. It doesn't get much simpler than that.
Reality. You can't say what it is; you can only say what it isn't. It's inexpressible. The Indians call it Brahman. It's not a person, it's not a thing, it's not a cause. It has no qualities. It transcends permanence and change; whole and part, finite and infinite. It is eternal because its completeness and perfection are unrelated to time. It is truth and freedom."
Intelligence would thus constitute a closed-loop perpetual dream machine in which infinite consciousness (Brahman) creates appearance (as Maya) solely to entertain itself (as Atman). The coherent appearance thus rendered would certainly be devoid of substance and meaning, and may or may not be amusing to behold (the dreamstate).
So, if intelligence exists in truth, it must exist as consciousness, and if so, then it must be true that perfect intelligence and infinite consciousness are the same thing rather than either being a feature of the other. But we can only say all that if we can say that intelligence exists at all, which we can't. We can only say that it really, really seems to exist.
Awareness can't miscreate, but it can misperceive. By creating ego, Brahman introduces the appearance of imperfection into his boringly perfect universe. This gives rise to drama and conflict, and now the universe isn't boring anymore, which is the whole point. Who wants to dream a boring dream?"
Reality must be real since it's in the name, but reality is not true. There is no truality. Reality is subjectively real and truth is objectively true
By removing the magic lens of ego, you are draining the world of its emotional depth and color. The price of truth is illusion, but illusion is the essence of the dreamstate and the dreamstate is your home. Why would you want to break the spell of meaning and awaken to the reality of an empty box?
April 9, 2023
At times a little more direct and less playful than his other works, but all on the same theme.
“As a practical necessity, we all suspend disbelief all the time. Somewhere inside you know that your fast food lunch is more noxious than nutritious. You might as well spread lard on a pack of cigarettes and eat that, but you eat it anyway because, seriously, it's not just lunch that's so damn crazy, it's everything. Where do you draw the line? You would never be able to eat in a restaurant or from a grocery store if you couldn't bullshit yourself about the quality, safety and sourcing of the food. My doctor cares about my health, my priest cares about my soul, my bank cares about my financial well-being, this restaurant isn't cutting corners, my friends and family don't talk about me the way I talk about them, politicians work for the people, religions care about truth, the justice system cares about justice, the healthcare system cares about health, reporters are fair and balanced, this adult can be trusted with my kids, that cop wakes up every morning and performs a rigorous moral inventory, infatuation is love, organic produce is safe, these pills will make me better, I am not a number, my life has meaning, my opinion matters, my vote counts, I will live on through my children, I will be remembered, I am special, I am real, I matter… and on and on and on. You have to bullshit yourself about everything just to get through the day. It's the spoonful of sugar that helps the reality go down. “
“I tell you, we are here on Earth to fart around, and don't let anybody tell you different.” Kurt Vonnegut as quoted in the book.
“As a practical necessity, we all suspend disbelief all the time. Somewhere inside you know that your fast food lunch is more noxious than nutritious. You might as well spread lard on a pack of cigarettes and eat that, but you eat it anyway because, seriously, it's not just lunch that's so damn crazy, it's everything. Where do you draw the line? You would never be able to eat in a restaurant or from a grocery store if you couldn't bullshit yourself about the quality, safety and sourcing of the food. My doctor cares about my health, my priest cares about my soul, my bank cares about my financial well-being, this restaurant isn't cutting corners, my friends and family don't talk about me the way I talk about them, politicians work for the people, religions care about truth, the justice system cares about justice, the healthcare system cares about health, reporters are fair and balanced, this adult can be trusted with my kids, that cop wakes up every morning and performs a rigorous moral inventory, infatuation is love, organic produce is safe, these pills will make me better, I am not a number, my life has meaning, my opinion matters, my vote counts, I will live on through my children, I will be remembered, I am special, I am real, I matter… and on and on and on. You have to bullshit yourself about everything just to get through the day. It's the spoonful of sugar that helps the reality go down. “
“I tell you, we are here on Earth to fart around, and don't let anybody tell you different.” Kurt Vonnegut as quoted in the book.
October 3, 2024
Rated 4.99⭐️. Another excellent book, though I have some reservations about certain comparisons the author makes.
The book is well-structured, with a pace that maintains interest and a message that is clearly conveyed. However, I am not fully persuaded by the author’s portrayal of science as a belief system.
Contrary to this depiction, science is a methodology for discovering the universe’s principles, not a set of beliefs. While it’s true that the big bang theory could be considered as speculative as any religious creation story, it remains a theory—a product of methodical reasoning, not faith. Science, unlike religion, does not claim to hold the ultimate truths about the world; it makes educated conjectures based on empirical evidence.
Science thrives on logic; it operates on the assumption that physical laws continue to function as observed, without the room we’re in vanishing when we blink, for instance. It’s important to recognize that science does not offer doctrines on the universe’s origins but rather, it acts as a tool within it.
The book is well-structured, with a pace that maintains interest and a message that is clearly conveyed. However, I am not fully persuaded by the author’s portrayal of science as a belief system.
Contrary to this depiction, science is a methodology for discovering the universe’s principles, not a set of beliefs. While it’s true that the big bang theory could be considered as speculative as any religious creation story, it remains a theory—a product of methodical reasoning, not faith. Science, unlike religion, does not claim to hold the ultimate truths about the world; it makes educated conjectures based on empirical evidence.
Science thrives on logic; it operates on the assumption that physical laws continue to function as observed, without the room we’re in vanishing when we blink, for instance. It’s important to recognize that science does not offer doctrines on the universe’s origins but rather, it acts as a tool within it.
August 6, 2018
A number of years ago an influential professor suggested that I check out McKenna's first publication "Spiritual Enlightenment: The Damnedest Thing". In a wonderfully conversational yet authoritative way, McKenna's ideas synthesized my years of academic and personal study of religion, spirituality and philosophy, challenged my worldview, and enlightened me to the simple, shortsighted nature of my 21 year old perspective. Writing this, it surprises me to realize that I'm still moved, challenged and inspired by his work fourteen years later. He'd probably hate that I wrote that (as McKenna is not a fan of being the "guru guy") but it's my truth. Few authors have influenced me to the extent that McKenna has, which is why I am grateful that he continues to publish his unique, albeit disruptive point of view. Dreamstate probably wasn't the most engaging of his books, but given the gravity of McKenna's influence on my way of thinking, it was a worthwhile read none the less.
March 24, 2021
Damn what an acid-trip of a book! This is my first Jed McKenna book but it won't be my last. Such an unique and entertaining approach to discussing the perennial philosophy. At times he has some weird somewhat off-topic ramblings but I think these help keep the book fresh, in a way. This is an odd one for sure so it will not be for everyone (especially that first chapter!). Enjoy!
September 10, 2018
Damn, damn fine. Jed does it again.
December 25, 2020
Discusses about manifestation.
October 4, 2016
Jedvaita!
July 10, 2024
I vote 4 categorizing for argument, since I gave a 5 or 4 to other books on the fantasy category, this then should be a 10.000, but we are in the "spiritual-trying to understand 'reality' " for which a 5 I guess it's almost impossible to reach, maybe we'll reach 4/5 if really advanced, but most book on this section barely reach 1..so! It's a really good one. It's the first one I read about the author as I was searching something about dreams and I'm immediately going to read the others, so I don't know if it's yet said if he's able to astral project for example? (which I experienced in first person) and what he thinks about it. From what I read in this book, i don't expect he did cause I guess it would open to him all a lot more to consider. He has the full point but one thing is missing in my opinion: why to consider that being happy is not entertaining? It's even more challenging, cause it's more difficult to create something more and more awesome. I'm indeed on the positive side, I don't still get why but I have the feeling that even if the dreamstate of life could have no meaning in the end, it could even be that the meaning itself is unfolded while acting as the true version of us in our highest possible expression, alias when we create in a state of full connection and happiness, with an open heart, "whatever it may means".
Ps: revising after having discovered mental science books, this makes no more sense to me. People look for mental science books! Especially Thomas troward and Ernest Holmes
Ps: revising after having discovered mental science books, this makes no more sense to me. People look for mental science books! Especially Thomas troward and Ernest Holmes
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews