How to Change Your Mind

What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence

By: Michael Pollan

Narrated by: Michael Pollan

Length: 13 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's Summary

New York Times Book Review - 10 Best Books of 2018

A New York Times Notable Book

The number-one New York Times best seller.

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 the experience of 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.

©2018 Michael Pollan (P)2018 Penguin Audio

Personal

Two stars - meh
three stars - good
four stars - worth a second read
five stars - life-changing - my top 50 of all time

I loved this book. Definitely worth a read. When I reread, I might bump it up to five stars.

An exploration into the nature of consciousness. Using Psychedelics to brake the chains of our status quo. Based on his personal experiences and interviews. He writes with honesty and wit. Explores our separation and connection with the universe.

A delightful trip

I think the only thing that could make this book better would be a complementary drop of acid on the corner of the last page.

Enthralling and Informative

Michael Pollan is at is finest in How to Change Your Mind. The first third of the book covering the modern history of psychedelics I could take or leave, but the latter two thirds had me rapt and thinking, “what a time to be alive.” To call his closing thoughts moving would be a sorry understatement. 9/10 would read again

Excellent non-hippie journey through Psychedelics

So often books and videos about psychedelics are taken from a post use hippie new age perspective so it was really refreshing and more interesting to hear this man's journey from newbie to trying the major 4 psychoactive drugs available today. And especially given that he wasn't too quick to conclude or associate his experience with the supernatural or God but rather decided to look into what science says is going on related to the physicality, the default network, the Ego etc.

Unexpectedly wondrous

Whatever thought process made me add this book to my TBR list I can't recall. Maybe it was mentioned in a Joe Rogan podcast, maybe it had something to do with my unwavering want to feel "smarter".
Regardless, I am thankful.
I expected this book to be educational, but dry. Instead I was consistently treated to beautiful imagery and palatable info that - although I have come to conclude I'm unable to experience a journey with psychedelics due to health constraints - I can definitely apply some of it to my own meditation practices.
A must read if you are looking for personal horizon expansion.

Interesting

Well researched, thought provoking and humorous As well as a great listen not boring in the least. thank you M Pollan.

some excellent concepts, a bit too much repetition

this is not primarily a drug book, but more a psychological /physical discussion of the brain, the body and the various psychological states of which your mind is capable. it also has interesting historical summaries which explain why psychedelics, with Incredible potential and many positive lab results, were effectively deleted from the national consciousness during the late sixties for mostly political reasons. the only negative is that in its audiobook version, it gets repetitive. psychedelic seem to be affected for combating addiction, depression, anxiety and fear of death, so there is a section on each of these, but the reason that these all work is the same, hence, repetition. But the book is a worthwhile read for anyone who is interested in learning about altered Consciousness, whether through meditation, drumming, breathing or psychedelic use.

A thorough and insightful exploration.

Michael does a great job deep diving into an area that’s below the radar for many. There were points when it felt like he was a little too long-winded but then he’d turn the corner to a totally different fascinating aspect of the study or use of psychedelics. After finishing it, I look back and felt like he was incredibly thorough, insightful, and open- minded approaching the subject. The topic is not new to me but he still opened my eyes and mind to many new perspectives. Time well spent.

love, love, loved it

the best sane approach to a subject that has too often been all too wrapped up in non scientific language and thinking, all too ready to accept the most illogical and emotional thoughts and rationale. This book in contrast breaks through the genre with a down to earth approach and yet ready to accept the vision and experience that psychedelic therapy has to offer.

Open Up!

Michael Pollan again pushing the way we think. Open up to the idea that alternatives to common issues will reap results!