Psychedelics are a class of drugs that share a common characteristic; their ability to produce altered states of consciousness. For centuries, psychedelics have achieved a holy status, being deeply embedded in some spiritual relationships. Today, psychedelics are primarily used recreationally, often to enhance experiences of nature, music, and art.
Interest in the medicinal and therapeutic potential of psychedelics has been renewed in recent times, as more researchers are exploring the potential positive effects of psychedelic-assisted therapy. Moreover, psychedelics have inspired a new wave of creative individuals and provided the spark to ignite innovative ideas, which have been fundamental to the advancement of western civilization in the 21st century.
Albert Hoffman: Father of LSD
The biggest name in psychedelics is Albert Hoffman. A Swiss scientist, Hoffman accidentally discovered the hallucinogenic properties of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) in 1938. In the years that followed, Hoffman discovered more of LSD’s effects and wrote extensively on the topic. LSD, when used responsibly and cautiously, was an enormous breakthrough, allowing people to explore their mental and spiritual states in ways never before possible, leading to innovative ideas.
Hoffman was intrigued by the creative power of psychedelics, claiming that it was an essential tool for exploring consciousness and allowing individuals to find their creative paths. He noted that he used LSD to improve his understanding of art, alleging that it gave him new perspectives that allowed him to better express himself. He also believed that psychedelics were a mechanism for developing the individual’s relationship with the environment, which could benefit creativity.
Ken Kesey: Literary and Counterculture Icon
Ken Kesey is a man synonymous with psychedelics, who rose to fame in the 1960s by becoming involved in the Beat Generation, a literary movement that glorified freedom and counterculture values. Kesey was introduced to psychedelics by fellow writer, Robert Hunter, and he became an outspoken advocate for the therapeutic potential of psychedelics. He was a huge proponent of LSD and its ability to enhance creativity, and encouraged others to experiment with it.
Kesey was also a driving force behind the psychedelic movement, forming the ‘Merry Pranksters’ with his friends. The Pranksters travelled across the US, with many members heavily experimenting with psychedelic drugs. In some respects, the Pranksters were innovative in their own right. Kesey embraced the ethos of life outside of the status quo and sought to express this through experimentation with drugs and disruption of societal norms, which he believed to be essential to keep the creative energy flowing.
Steve Jobs: Technology Influencer
The late Apple co-founder and tech genius, Steve Jobs, had a profound relationship with psychedelics. It is speculated that Jobs experimented with LSD several times during his early days in college, and he was an admirer of LSD inventor Albert Hoffman. Jobs felt that psychedelics could play an important role in unlocking one’s true potential, which he believed was the key to his success.
Jobs was famously quoted as saying that taking LSD was “one of the two or three most important things I have done in my life”, indicating his admiration of psychedelic drugs. In addition to his involvement in the tech industry, Jobs has also been credited with inspiring a new wave of creative thinking in the industry. He was hugely forward thinking, and attributed the ability to think big and out of the box to his experimentation with psychedelics.
The Psychedelic Renaissance
Psychedelic drugs have been embraced by many innovators, and this new trend is sparking a psychedelic renaissance. From tech CEOs to artists and writers, psychedelics have become an integral part of some creative processes. With the advent of new research, psychedelics are being viewed in a more positive light, and scientists are learning more and more about the potential therapeutic applications of these drugs. As this new wave of thought spreads, the potential for further innovative ideas inspired by psychedelics is only just beginning.
Conclusion
The use of psychedelics has produced some of the most innovative minds of the 21st century. In the face of criticism and skepticism, pioneers of psychedelic drugs have pushed back against conventional thought and championed the power of psychedelics for unlocking creativity and discovering untapped potential, which has been fundamental to the advancement of western civilization.