“The first stage of seeing through the game can be a shocking enlightenment that leads either to a weary cynicism or Buddhism. The second stage of actually applying the insight to oneself can destroy the illusion of the soul and create a magician.”

That’s a quote from Peter Carroll, Pope Pete in Chaos Magick circles. It is the single most intellegent thing I’ve ever read from him.

Most Chaotes, particularly young ones, are convinced they see through the game, but they don’t necessarily know the rules they claim to be breaking. Still they’re convinced of their own superiority. When you’re convinced of your own superiority, yet still young and/or insecure, it’s easy to show defensiveness by mockery and derision. Such mocking can bolster your internal sense of status, putting yourself above others.