Reflections on learning and addiction: porpoises addiction and palm trees

Purpose - To provide a glimpse into Gregory Bateson's thought processes about addiction and learning. Design/methodology/approach - This piece is a combination of a transcribed and edited lecture called Civilizations and addiction H, and a previously unpublished piece from the Angel's Fear manuscripts, "Definition of Addiction." Findings - Addiction is examined as a relationship between two or more entities. Practical implications - This paper may provide a different and more integrated understanding of addiction. It may also lead to further research, into re-thinking the nature addiction, and subsequent courses of action to get through addictive situations. Originality/value - This paper forms a valuable insight into numerous current cultural, social and individual issues dealing with addiction, and achieving higher levels of learning.