Designer Drugs
Out of context: Reply #444
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- drgs0
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"I am not sure how many people should use psychedelics, and I do not wish anything in this post to be construed as advice. It does seem obvious to me, however, that 1960s popular music was more creative because some individuals used psychedelics. I’ve also seen evidence that psychedelics can help (only some) individuals with depression.
So why don’t I use psychedelics?
For one thing, I am not depressed.
For another, as this stage in my life I am not looking for “Notorious Byrd Brothers” kinds of creativity. I would rather get execution right, and remain on the same mental track I have been on. I also don’t want my priorities re-ordered, or suddenly to feel that now I have grasped the true nature of the universe, and that x, y, and z are in fact meaningless. Let’s stick with the process, people! I feel the real world is sending enough new ideas my way.
I also observe that “the doors of perception open only once.” That is, you can’t just keep on using psychedelics to maintain a steady stream of creativity. Circa 1974, neither John nor Paul were doing another “Tomorrow Never Knows.” Instead, both retreated into (varying) forms of domesticity. McGuinn goes Christian and records sea shanties (not that there’s anything wrong with that). Many others burn themselves out.
So I don’t know that psychedelics are an optimal cognitive strategy for “staying in the game.”"