15 ms·
It's an interesting theory, although I think this paper stretches the available evidence way too far in most cases. As a former Mormon, it's interesting to cons
by Trasmatta 6y ago
It's an interesting theory, although I think this paper stretches the available evidence way too far in most cases. As a former Mormon, it's interesting to consider, though.
As an aside, this is an interesting point:
> One of the major negative side effect of psychedelic experimentation is delusional ideation, and one of the
most common pathologies associated with frequent high-dose psychedelic experimentation is persistent
recurring delusions of grandeur.
Psychonauts will tell you that psychedelics are effective at destroying or weakening the ego. And yet, there's a phenomenon where some users come out of it with an incredibly inflated ego and narcissism. If you've spent any time with psychonauts or read much from any of the online communities you'll know what I'm talking about.
They'll often say that the world would be better if everyone just took LSD, but stuff like that does make me wonder. Not everyone comes out of a transformative psychedelic experience as a better person.
In "How to Change Your Mind", Michael Pollan talked about the theory of psychedelics acting as a sort of super placebo. They seem to have the ability to shake you out your regular hardened neutral pathways, encouraging new ways of thinking and looking at the world. That may be part of why they have such promise as a therapeutic tool, but also why careful and considered use is still important.
- Throwaway1771 6y agoEither these people feel superior because they did/unlocked an experience that most haven't, OR they activated their latent schizophrenia.
- theonemind 6y ago"If you forget yourself, you become the universe." - Hakuin Religious traditions emphasizing the mystical help you interpret something like 'becoming the universe' as a deep interconnection with living beings and universal compassion. Without that kind of grounding, from a certain frame of mind, you can feel like king of the universe instead. It's really not something to mess around with, in my opinion. I'm pretty sure I've unlocked the same sorts of states the hard/manual way, and I was really glad to have the backing of the understanding of a mature religious tradition to put it into constructive context. It's not by any means an unconditionally good thing, it's nothing that should be allowed anywhere near an unprepared mind.
- gremlinsinc 6y agoAs an also former mormon, I think psychedelics would explain a LOT of the things that are spoken about, longed for, but never seen and which make one's 'testimony' dwindle because those spiritual experiences never come.... though, I stopped believing only after reading the CES Letter and other church history stuff, but I was less active at the time.