What basis, I wonder, does Stephen Best rely on to imply that psychedelics can be properly used to critically examine reality? Delusion is not a reliable platform from which to launch such an investigation.
Thanks to Nicholas Kadysh for this article. My only quibble is the pervasive, politically necessary notion implied in the article that psychedelics should be used only as "a potentially revolutionary new tool in the treatment of mental illness." That's how their use is being 'sold.'
Psychedelics can be used recreationally to great effect and enjoyment. Mahler on acid is a profoundly different experience than Gustav on Merlot.
As well, most people's values and beliefs are shaped by childhood indoctrination, marketing, and propaganda and not by evidence, education, and rational and critical thinking. Most of our beliefs are imposed on us by other people to serve their interests no matter how well-meaning, not ours. Psychedelics are a means to give people the ability to critically examine their indoctrination and externally imposed biases and misunderstandings, if they choose.
Psychedelics, I suggest too, can be an important aid to education and creativity, and improving our relationships with others.
There are enormous benefits to be had with psychedelics, only ignorance, fear, and political cowardice prevent us investigating them.
Can there be problems with using psychedelics? Yes. But they can all be ameliorated. There are problems with excessive Merlot, too.
I've been aware of this industry for a while and have hopes it may also provide a new tool for treating opioid addiction, another social scourge that has deeply affected our family.
This is a puff piece, not journalism, and the phrasing is often awkward..."these substances can alleviate real human suffering." As opposed to what, fake human suffering? "The fact that 2020 has been a banner year for mental illness." Is it a fact or just a media cliche? An why the triumphant note?
What basis, I wonder, does Stephen Best rely on to imply that psychedelics can be properly used to critically examine reality? Delusion is not a reliable platform from which to launch such an investigation.
Thanks to Nicholas Kadysh for this article. My only quibble is the pervasive, politically necessary notion implied in the article that psychedelics should be used only as "a potentially revolutionary new tool in the treatment of mental illness." That's how their use is being 'sold.'
Psychedelics can be used recreationally to great effect and enjoyment. Mahler on acid is a profoundly different experience than Gustav on Merlot.
As well, most people's values and beliefs are shaped by childhood indoctrination, marketing, and propaganda and not by evidence, education, and rational and critical thinking. Most of our beliefs are imposed on us by other people to serve their interests no matter how well-meaning, not ours. Psychedelics are a means to give people the ability to critically examine their indoctrination and externally imposed biases and misunderstandings, if they choose.
Psychedelics, I suggest too, can be an important aid to education and creativity, and improving our relationships with others.
There are enormous benefits to be had with psychedelics, only ignorance, fear, and political cowardice prevent us investigating them.
Can there be problems with using psychedelics? Yes. But they can all be ameliorated. There are problems with excessive Merlot, too.
I've been aware of this industry for a while and have hopes it may also provide a new tool for treating opioid addiction, another social scourge that has deeply affected our family.
This is a puff piece, not journalism, and the phrasing is often awkward..."these substances can alleviate real human suffering." As opposed to what, fake human suffering? "The fact that 2020 has been a banner year for mental illness." Is it a fact or just a media cliche? An why the triumphant note?