If one is able to actually "feel" what it is like to be a subatomic particle, atom, molecule, cell, planet, or sun as an experiential manifestation of a supraconsciousness state, then this is evidence (but not proof) that intelligence and consciousness permeate all life forms, as well as all inorganic matter. The Integrated Theory of Intelligence predicts that intelligence and consciousness is present to some extent in all organic and inorganic systems throughout the universe without exception.

As stated by Charles Tart, there is nothing inherent in the scientific method which precludes the consideration of observations made in altered states of consciousness. As a matter of fact, if an observer is in a different state of consciousness, it is likely that he or she would perceive other variables or interactions and formulate different hypotheses about any event being observed or considered.³⁰

Humans have developed ways to manipulate consciousness. We can now raise consciousness and expand awareness so as to more fully extend human potential.³¹

Of the various altered states of consciousness that anyone might achieve, the ones that impress me as being of the highest order include the near-death experience and the peak experience. The latter has also been referred to by others as a mystical or quintessential state. They have been called mystical since they have traditionally been associated with religious experiences; however, they are much more frequent in the philosophical, non- religious pursuit of an understanding of the nature of life. They might better be referred to as peak experience or "quintessential consciousness" states. They are much more common than is generally realized, as indicated above. There likely has been a failure to communicate them because of a lack of ability to find the necessary words to verbally express the experience.³²...There are none! The only other persons who might understand an attempt to verbalize such an experience are those who themselves have reached a quintessential consciousness or peak experience state.

According to Barbara Brown, some of the most profound insights into the nature of the universe have come through this type of altered state.³³...We can conclude that during a quintessential consciousness state, the mind either generates or accepts an extraordinary synthesis about the essence of life and other relationships among things, and happenings within a natural universe of harmony and order. This synthesis transcends expression; however, it can sometimes be approximated by the use of analogy and metaphor.³⁴...The experience would appear to trigger a reorganization of knowledge, both learned and experiential, into a higher order of understanding.³⁵

The synthesis of information that occurs during a quintessential state and leads to the transcendent acquisition of knowledge is probably related to a process of reorganizing information already within the unconscious memory. What is most definitely unusual in relation to the usual state of consciousness is the impetus that begins the process as well as the unique ordering of information that results in the experience of a higher order.³⁶

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