How to Change Your MindRecommendations
About the book
"How to Change Your Mind" by Michael Pollan is a thought-provoking exploration of the science behind psychedelics and their potential to transform our understanding of consciousness. Pollan takes readers on a journey through history, personal stories, and scientific research, revealing how these substances could help treat mental health issues and enhance creativity. Whether you’re curious about the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics or simply looking for a captivating read, this book offers a balanced perspective grounded in rigorous research and personal experience. Pollan's engaging writing style makes complex concepts accessible, inviting readers to rethink their preconceived notions about these substances. This book isn't just for those interested in psychology or science; it appeals to anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the mind and its potential.Recommended by a diverse group of influential figures, including activists, actors, authors, and entrepreneurs, "How to Change Your Mind" has garnered attention from leaders in various fields. The endorsements come from notable names such as Susan Wojcicki and Bill Gates, as well as artists like Jennifer Lawrence and Rupi Kaur. This wide array of recommendations suggests that the book resonates across different sectors, highlighting its relevance to both personal growth and broader societal discussions. The collective voice of these recommenders indicates a strong interest in exploring new perspectives on mental health and consciousness.
New York Times Book Review 10 Best Books of 2018 and #1 New York Times bestseller.
A brilliant and brave investigation into the medical and scientific revolution taking place around psychedelic drugs--and the spellbinding story of his own life-changing psychedelic experiences.
When Michael Pollan set out to research how LSD and psilocybin (the active ingredient in magic mushrooms) are being used to provide relief to people suffering from difficult-to-treat conditions such as depression, addiction and anxiety, he did not intend to write what is undoubtedly his most personal book. But upon discovering how these remarkable substances are improving the lives not only of the mentally ill but also of healthy people coming to grips with the challenges of everyday life, he decided to explore the landscape of the mind in the first person as well as the third. Thus began a singular adventure into various altered states of consciousness, along with a dive deep into both the latest brain science and the thriving underground community of psychedelic therapists. Pollan sifts the historical record to separate the truth about these mysterious drugs from the myths that have surrounded them since the 1960s, when a handful of psychedelic evangelists inadvertently catalyzed a powerful backlash against what was then a promising field of research.
A unique and elegant blend of science, memoir, travel writing, history, and medicine, How to Change Your Mind is a triumph of participatory journalism. By turns dazzling and edifying, it is the gripping account of a journey to an exciting and unexpected new frontier in our understanding of the mind, the self, and our place in the world. The true subject of Pollan's "mental travelogue" is not just psychedelic drugs but also the eternal puzzle of human consciousness and how, in a world that offers us both suffering and joy, we can do our best to be fully present and find meaning in our lives.
People recommending How to Change Your Mind
What readers say about ‘How to Change Your Mind’
Vinod Khosla on How to Change Your Mind
"A fun exploration of psychedelic drugs, especially for someone who has never tried them."
Michael Mauboussin on How to Change Your Mind
"[One of the] books that helped me think better in 2018."
Hamilton Morris on How to Change Your Mind
Hamilton Morris mentioned a passage from this book on Twitter.
Aubrey Marcus on How to Change Your Mind
"Has done a better job than any I’ve read so far on this subject at rationally, calmly, and scientifically exploring just how impactful psychedelics can be for the individual and our culture."
Amelia Boone on How to Change Your Mind
"Fantastic book."