For the past decade, I’ve been fascinated by reports about new psychedelic research. At first, it was mainly curiosity. I was intrigued by the clinical trials showing that psychedelic experiences can help relieve depression and PTSD. I started interviewing people about their personal experiences and heard amazing stories, like Oliver Sacks talking about how, on mescaline, he “witnessed” thousands of soldiers at the 1415 Battle of Agincourt.
I’ve wondered what generates these kinds of experiences. Are they just hallucinations fired by powerful chemicals in the brain? Or could they tap into some sort of collective consciousness? Some years back, I wrote a book about debates over science and religion, and I came to believe that the most interesting questions have to do with the nature of consciousness. Those questions are also front and center in psychedelic experiences.
This week we’re launching a new radio series, “Luminous,” about the philosophy and the future of psychedelics. And if you want to go down the psychedelic rabbit hole, we’re also creating a separate podcast feed with bonus episodes - and more interviews will be available on the website.
In our first episode, we explore a big question: What can psychedelics teach us about dying? That might sound depressing, but I assure you, it’s not. I hope you’ll get a chance to listen.
—Steve