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How to Change Your Mind

By: Michael Pollan
Narrated by: Michael Pollan
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Publisher's Summary

Brought to you by Penguin.

How to Change Your Mind is a report from what could very well be the future of human consciousness, written and read by Michael Pollan.

When LSD was first discovered in the 1940s, it seemed to researchers, scientists and doctors as if the world might be on the cusp of psychological revolution. It promised to shed light on the deep mysteries of consciousness, as well as offer relief to addicts and the mentally ill. But in the 1960s, with the vicious backlash against the counter-culture, all further research was banned. In recent years, however, work has quietly begun again on the amazing potential of LSD, psilocybin and DMT. Could these drugs in fact improve the lives of many people? Diving deep into this extraordinary world and putting himself forward as a guinea-pig, Michael Pollan has written and read a remarkable history of psychedelics and a compelling portrait of the new generation of scientists fascinated by the implications of these drugs.

'His approach is steeped in honesty and self-awareness. His cause is just, his thinking is clear, and his writing is compelling' - Washington Post

'An easy-going humane generosity ... mischievous self-regard ... as if Henry David Thoreau had had an encounter with Woody Allen and never been quite the same since' - Simon Schama


©2018 Michael Pollan (P)2018 Penguin Audio

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Brilliant

I cannot begin to explain just how good this book is. The subject matter is so well researched. The writing style is amazing and Michael Pollan as narrator is just fantastic. As a trainee psychiatrist, I learnt so much more about my profession and yes, got a little bit excited about about what this means for our profession and for our patients (and for the rest of humanity).

I'll be listening to this one again for sure. Absolutely the best book I've listened to this year, hands down.

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16 people found this helpful

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Stay with it, it's worth it

This is a great book. The author approaches a touchy subject well, not being taken away by the "change the world" hype but being honest enough to submit himself to the experience of psychedelics. The first half of the book is reserved for the recent history of psychedelics (mainly in the US) and is quite wonkish. The second half takes the reader on a journey of what positive effects these drugs could have for individuals and society, touching on the underlying neuroscience (the role of the default mode network is fascinating), all the while punctuated by the author recounting his own experiences on the drugs. The subject touches on so many interesting areas including neuroscience, mental health and the nature of the self and consciousness. Also a good listen is the podcast interview of the author by Sam Harris in May 2018.

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13 people found this helpful

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Dive Deeper

Pollons voice as he recounts us with the history of phycadelic research and the re-awakening of phycadelic assisted therapy is almost intoxicating in its self, Creating a desire to learn more.

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6 people found this helpful

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The Best Book i have ever read

Times are changing and this book has come at the perfect time. like my heading says.. its the best.
Get it, you wont be disappointed.. The peoples accounts of their trips alone have impacted me in a way that I don't think I need to try psychedelics. Thank you Michael Pollan. 5 stars.

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Entertaining but lacking insight

An entertaining listen, particularly the history of psychedelics, personal stories and other accounts of those who have used psychedelics and the strong positive correlations for therapeutic use.

It’s a bit disturbing however that the author shows an obvious ignorance or even possibly an alterior motive when itcomes to the topic of science (and religion).

The author shows a disturbing lack of awareness of the meaning of a scientific “theory”, in one portion lumping the words “hunches” and “theories” together as though they equate to the same thing. Hi m several occasions he does use fallacious logic to draw false dichotomies between science and religion where none exist, and even goes so far as to say in the closing changer “Matter may not be as innocent of mind as the materialist would have us believe” and then actually goes on to quote findings of quantum science and quantum physics which is, by definition, MATERIALISM! (To quote a classic movie: “I don’t think that word means what you think it means”).

Please, if you’re going to use words - it’s important to understand what those words mean, particularly if you’re an author, OR if you do understand what they mean, please do not use them to mislead to your readers or listeners.

This will probably only annoy those of us who actually understand science and/or have a strong science background, but perhaps that makes it even more important.

Overall, 3/5 stars. I enjoyed it, but as a majority of the topic is about the science of psychedelics the author would benefit from actually understanding what science is.

A bit disappointed considering how highly this book was recommended.

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An eye opening listen

Absolutely loved it, found myself putting it on wherever I could. Have and would reccomend it to anyone

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Share this book with everyone

this will become my most gifted book for sure. Read it & pass it on.

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A optometric intellectual history

In "How to Change Your Mind," Michael Pollan offers a compelling exploration of the history and resurgence of psychedelics, examining their potential to impact mental health and consciousness. Pollan's personal journey into the world of psychedelics is interwoven with rigorous research, providing a balanced perspective that challenges the stigma surrounding these substances. His narrative is both historical and deeply personal, as he undergoes his own psychedelic experiences, which he describes with candor and introspection. The book has influenced public opinion and sparked conversations about the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics, making a significant impact on readers and contributing to a broader understanding of the mind

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Very good and comprehensive review of the subject

As usual Michael Pollen is offering a very nicely documented research. A put that audible is not offering more of his books on listening at the time of the writing.

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Life changing

What an incredible journey and exploration of life itself, from a spiritual perspective but with a scientific lens…or is it the other way around?

The fact he has shared such intimate life changing experiences with the entire world to absorb is commendable, and articulated so well for those who have never had a psychedelic experience.

I, personally, feel my views on death have changed, and my fears have turned into curiosity, a curiosity to learn more, experience more, be more open, and with total trust that this universe is holding us in love. For this gift, I thank Michael.

The book is quite dense and there’s a lot of history to it but it’s well worth it

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