Synanon’s particular emphasis on truth, for instance, is specifically appropriate to the subject of this film, and will serve as its guiding principle.
It is a conception in which the expression of truth has value in itself - that merely telling the truth about a thing, looking at it squarely and in the full light of day, stripping it of the guilt and shame that feeds off and feeds the need for secrecy you can redeem what would otherwise be condemned to the shadows of the guilty conscience, forever dissembled, defended, and denied.
It was, I believe one of the principle failings of the community, that in the end it refused, or was unable to examine itself with the same harsh honesty it demanded of its members. I can see no reason why, from this distance, we cannot look back upon Synanon with the same spirit of honest examination on which we so prided ourselves back then.
Holy shi**
No wonder that's the first propheet.
I wonder if he was there before or after children were separated from their parents (upon arrival)? What an unusual environment to grow up in.
Now that's an interesting life story for you.