Psychedelic Future of the Mind: How Entheogens are Enhancing Cognition, Boosting Intelligence, and Raising Values

Description

* Outlines a future that embraces psychedelics as tools for cognitive development, personal growth, business and an experience-based religious reformation * Presents research on the use of psychedelics to enhance problem-solving, increase motivation, boost the immune system and deepen ethical values * Includes chapters by Roger N. Walsh and Charles Grob on their psychedelic research on religious experience and alleviating the fear of death As psychedelic psychotherapy gains recognition through research at universities and medical establishments such as the Johns Hopkins Medical Institute and Bellevue Hospital, the other beneficial uses of psychedelics are beginning to be recognised and researched as well-from enhancing problem-solving and increasing motivation to boosting the immune system and deepening moral and ethical values. Exploring the bright future of psychedelics, Thomas B. Roberts reveals how new uses for entheogens will enrich individuals as well as society as a whole. With contributions from Charles Grob and Roger N. Walsh, the book explains how psychedelics can raise individual and business attitudes away from selfcentredness, improve daily life with strengthened feelings of meaningfulness and spirituality and help us understand and redesign the human mind, leading to the possibility of a neurosingularity-a time when future brains surpass our current ones. Roberts envisions a future where you will seek psychedelic therapy not only for psychological reasons, but, also, for personal growth, creative problem solving, improved brain function and heightened spiritual awareness. Our psychedelic future is on the horizon-a future that harnesses the full potential of mind and spirit-and Thomas Roberts outlines a path to reach it.

Thomas B. Roberts is professor emeritus at Northern Illinois University, where he has taught the world's first catalogue-listed psychedelics course since 1981. A former visiting scientist at Johns Hopkins, the editor of Spiritual Growth with Entheogens, coeditor of Psychedelic Medicine and author of Psychedelic Horizons, he lives in DeKalb, Illinois.

"Roberts provides us with a map of a healthy future and directions on how to get there. This important, practical volume should be on the must-read list of all citizens, including students, businesspeople, artists, legislators, regulators, and policy makers. We would all do well to follow Professor Roberts's guidance into our psychedelic future." * Neal M. Goldsmith, Ph.D., author of Psychedelic Healing * "With the psychedelic renaissance now in full flower, this book provides timely insight into the many reasons that we should work to mainstream nonordinary states of consciousness for a range of beneficial uses and the practical ways we can do so." * Rick Doblin, president and founder of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAP * "With intelligence, keen insight, deep knowledge, and a wonderful ability to imagine a future illuminated by the powerful interaction between entheogens and the seeking human mind, Thomas Roberts pulls off a visionary book about the most fascinating subject imaginable." * Tom Shroder, author of Old Souls and Fire on the Horizon * "Tom Roberts is one of the few elder statesmen of the psychedelic world concerned with the inevitable social and medical repercussions arising from the continued worldwide use and growing medical and governmental acceptance of entheogens. I find his speculations and their implications wise and innovative." * James Fadiman, Ph.D., author of The Psychedelic Explorers Guide * "Roberts's work in the area of entheogens--man's use of psychedelic substances in the context of religious rite or spiritual growth--has sought to replace popular uninformed hysteria with actual facts and, through critical examination, illuminate the ways in which our brains process and interpret our perceptions. He has earned his place among the best inner explorers of our time." * Will Dresser, author of Sacrament of Fear and The Methuselah Man * "Roberts's book is a tour de force in the nascent field of psychedelic studies. The Psychedelic Future of the Mind proposes bold new research directions and methodologies that intrepidly advance what psychedelic research can become. A guide for researchers and the general public alike, this book promotes paths to integrate the power of psychedelic insights into both careers and daily life." * Nese Devenot, founder of the Psychedemia conference and contributing editor for Reality Sandwich * "Tom Roberts may be an extraordinary academic thinker, but he presents the ideas in this book poetically and directly in ways that will allow everyone from artists and intellectuals to shamanic seekers and born-agains to understand the value of psychedelics as we map out the geography of the global future of consciousness." * David Biddle, Reality Sandwiches, March 2013 * "The Psychedelic Future of the Mind is the best exploration that I've ever seen on how mystical experiences can transform human lives, catalyze the evolution of spiritual intelligence, and help people to discover the hidden potentials of the mind. This valuable contribution to our understanding of the psychedelically-inspired mystical experience--and its consequences on physical, mental, and spiritual health--discusses the psychology of religion, and how we learn in non-ordinary states of consciousness, from a transcendental vantage point. Thomas Roberts' magnificent new book also explores how the future evolution of consciousness will interface with advanced technology, and is simply a treasure trove of fascinating ideas, bursting with eye-opening insights on every page." * David Jay Brown, author of The New Science of Psychedelics * "In short, Roberts' book offers a well-informed introduction to the broad spectrum use of psychedelics, a prospectus for community growth centers, and a vision of intelligence and creativity higher than what we now enjoy, plus news from one of the best thinkers and a pair of the most imaginative researchers in the field." * Alternet, April 2013 * "Tom Robert's new book is a tour de force in the nascent field of psychedelic studies. More than a seminal overview of psychedelic research to date, The Psychedelic Future of the Mind proposes bold new research directions and methodologies that intrepidly advance what psychedelic research can become...Roberts' book will be a signpost of inspiration to current and future researchers in developing this field." * Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies, April 2013 * "One of the most important and powerful aspects of this book is that Roberts effectively bridges the gap between science and humanistic thought. He takes an ecumenical and very open-minded approach to the value of altered states. This book should be in every psycho-naut's library." * Neurosoup, April 2013 * "Our psychedelic future is on the horizon-a future that harnesses the fuller potentials of mind and spirit: raising intelligence, new intellectual frontiers, new ways to interpret history and philosophy, even designing new thinking processes...! This book will sprout fresh ideas in your mind." * Branches of Light, June 2013 * "In conclusion, The Psychedelic Future of the Mind does what any great work of pharmacography should do i.e. make one think. It doesn't simply prescribe an approach, posit a definitive vision or throttle any particular meaning around the psychedelic experience. It puts one to thinking about the potential for psychedelic substances, for the individual and for society. As such, it is very successful and, moreover, challenging in many of the ideas it puts out there. Very much worth a read!" * Psychedelic Press UK, October 2013 * "Roberts seeks to enlighten all who will listen about the many potential benefits of using entheogens for a variety of purposes, and to replace common misconceptions with facts. This book goes beyond science and mental health. It's interesting and enlightening for any explorer of human potential. " * Alice R. Bernston, New Connexion, November 2013 * "Roberts present his concepts and ideas clearly and coherently, yet does so with unmistakable passion and an underlying sense of humour. The main goal of this work is to stimulate a new way of looking at psychedelics; viewing them as potential allies in our evolutionary journey. While he remains optimistic for the future, he stops short of suggesting that psychedelics are a panacea or that social change will occur overnight. He emphasizes that obstacles to public education and academic research still exits and there will continue to be resistance in the public and political spheres. Nevertheless, Roberts' conclusions and recommendations, especially with regards to education, are worthy of a wider audience. Considering Roberts has taught a course on psychedelics for over three decades, he has a commendable grasp of the logistics and significance of psychedelic education. We would be wise to take note of his suggestions so that we may develop new research questions and models; creative methodologies; engaging university courses; and future generations of psychedelic researchers." * Adam G. Van Hagen, South African Journal of Psychology, February 2014 * "Those who can come across the word entheogens (psychoactive drugs used with a spiritual purpose) without needing a dictionary will have an easier time with the prose, but they might be the proverbial choir listening to the preaching. These folks can expect an informative, thoughtful, organized, and enjoyable spin through history, spirituality, religion, psychology, economics, and politics. They will find the classic allusions to many of psychology's forefathers, including William James and Abraham Maslow, as Roberts details how the field has always flirted with mystical experiences and altered levels of awareness. Big names in the study of consciousness also get respectful tips of the hat. Roberts boils down complicated studies in an accessible way. Unlike comparable authors, he does not see hallucinogens as a panacea. An endearing section called Why You Shouldn't Put LSD in Your Friend's Coffee underscores the import of set and setting, emphasizes how the underground market undermines knowledge about any illicit drug's actual content and potency, and elaborates on individual differences in drug reactions. The hallucinogens are clearly not for everybody." * by Thomas B. Roberts, American Psychological Association, February 2014 *