1. absolutely correct
2. it depends on what "it" is.
Now, how about a definition of what "real" is? What makes something real?
Are thoughts, perceptions, emotions, your "self" real? Or are you nothing but your physical body?
Of what value is inductive reasoning?
Where would be be today in terms of scientific achievement without imagination ( which is not real?).
Im not asking these questions just to be a boogersnot, but rather, Im trying to engage with you in thoughtful discussion.
Did Einstien, Newton, and Hawkings cave into consensus reality and limit themselves to what everyone agrees is truth, or did they dare to get messy and experiment with reality? Surely they dared to experiment with seemingly foolish ideas.
As for the cult stuff, I've done quite a lot of reading on the topic and find it quite fascinating. Rick Ross had a very informative site for a long time. Not sure if its still around or not.