The only way to write honestly about the scene is to be part of it. If there is one quick truism about psychedelic drugs, it is that anyone who tries to write about them without first-expierience is a fool and a fraud.
In "Hell's Angels," Hunter S. Thompson emphasizes the importance of personal experience when writing about specific subjects, particularly psychedelic drugs. He believes that genuine understanding and honesty in writing come from being directly involved in the experiences one describes. Without this firsthand knowledge, he argues that a writer lacks credibility and authenticity, rendering their work superficial or misleading.
Thompson's statement reflects a broader truth about writing; it underscores the value of personal insight in conveying the complexity and nuances of any scene. By advocating for experiential knowledge, he challenges writers to engage deeply with their subjects, asserting that only through lived experiences can one convey the truth and essence of a topic effectively.