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How to Change Your Mind

The New Science of Psychedelics

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How to Change Your Mind

By: Michael Pollan
Narrated by: Michael Pollan
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Brought to you by Penguin.

How to Change Your Mind is a report from what could very well be the future of human consciousness,
written and read by Michael Pollan.

When LSD was first discovered in the 1940s, it seemed to researchers, scientists and doctors as if the world might be on the cusp of psychological revolution. It promised to shed light on the deep mysteries of consciousness, as well as offer relief to addicts and the mentally ill. But in the 1960s, with the vicious backlash against the counter-culture, all further research was banned. In recent years, however, work has quietly begun again on the amazing potential of LSD, psilocybin and DMT. Could these drugs in fact improve the lives of many people? Diving deep into this extraordinary world and putting himself forward as a guinea-pig, Michael Pollan has written and read a remarkable history of psychedelics and a compelling portrait of the new generation of scientists fascinated by the implications of these drugs.

'His approach is steeped in honesty and self-awareness. His cause is just, his thinking is clear, and his writing is compelling' - Washington Post

'An easy-going humane generosity ... mischievous self-regard ... as if Henry David Thoreau had had an encounter with Woody Allen and never been quite the same since' - Simon Schama


© Michael Pollen 2018 (P) Penguin Audio 2018

Alternative & Complementary Medicine Anthropology Biological Sciences Science Thought-Provoking Inspiring Health Mental Health Consciousness
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Critic reviews

His approach is steeped in honesty and self-awareness. His cause is just, his thinking is clear, and his writing is compelling
An easy-going humane generosity ... mischievous self-regard ... as if Henry David Thoreau had had an encounter with Woody Allen and never been quite the same since (Simon Schama)
All stars
Most relevant
Like the author himself was, I'm a pretty staunch materialist and have always been skeptical about drugs. I've also been fed my fair share of propaganda against LSD and psychedelics, on the claim that it would make you go insane.

So I was pretty reluctant to read/listen to this book, but I was going to have to discuss it with friends so on I went.

It didn't take long for me to realize how insightful and fascinating this book is. Whatever your stance or intent re psychedelics, I'd say its well worth a read in a purely academic sense. The thesis idea surrounding the default mode network in our brains as the gestalt cause for overthinking, ruminating, and the ensuins mental pain, is in itself well worth the price and your time.

Excellent and, punnily enough, mind changing book!

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I just loved this book. It brought the world of psychedelic research to life, a world completely unknown to me. And then the author's own journey with psychedelic medicines was also thrilling and relatable. The book has kindled in me a newfound interest in fungi of all kinds and left me impressed by the potential of these unique substances, and the insights they offer. A masterpiece of journalism and a brave and important memoir.

Fascinating and inspiring listen

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Well researched, well written and narration to match.

This is quite a long book and at times felt I wanted to skip ahead. It is worth listening to the whole book as it is certainly thought provoking

Thought provoking

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Really well written and very interesting account of the historical and contemporary research. I really hope society gets over the stigma and puts these substances to their potential.

Absolutely fascinating

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great read/listen.
thoughtful and well researched
listened twice already, would revisit a third as there is much to be mined

very interesting

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