Part One, Stopping The World: Chapter 5, Assuming Responsibility Summary and Analysis

In April of 1961 Castaneda visits the old Indian attempting to get him to explain how he knows about the falcon and what he has "done" to him. Don Juan asserts that he has done nothing to him and that it is he who asked to learn about plants. Castaneda argues he has told him nothing about plants. Don Juan answers it takes time to know about plants. Castaneda asks Don Juan to explain the stultifying look Don Juan gave him that very first time they met.

The Indian says that the first time they met, he "saw" that Castaneda was lying. The response confuses Castaneda. Don Juan sees him confused and for that reason, states that explanations are not needed. He asserts that the only thing needed...