Food of the Gods

The Search for the Original Tree of Knowledge : A Radical History of Plants, Drugs, and Human Evolution

By: Terence McKenna

Narrated by: Jeffrey Kafer

Length: 8 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

Terence McKenna hypothesizes that as the North African jungles receded, giving way to savannas and grasslands near the end of the most recent ice age, a branch of our arboreal primate ancestors left the forest canopy and began living in the open areas beyond. There they experimented with new varieties of foods as they adapted, physically and mentally, to the environment. Among the new foods found in this environment were psilocybin-containing mushrooms growing near dung of ungulate herds occupying the savannas and grasslands.

Referencing the research of Roland L. Fisher, McKenna claims the enhancement of visual acuity was an effect of psilocybin at low doses and suggests this would confer adaptive advantage. He argues that the effects of slightly larger doses, including sexual arousal, and in larger doses, ecstatic hallucinations & glossolalia - gave selective evolutionary advantages to members of those tribes who partook of it. There were many changes caused by the introduction of this psychoactive to primate diets. He hypothesizes, for instance, that synesthesia (the blurring of sensory boundaries) caused by psilocybin led to the development of spoken language: the ability to form pictures in another person's mind through the use of vocal sounds.

About 12,000 years ago, further climate changes removed psilocybin-containing mushrooms from human diets. He argues that this event resulted in a new set of profound changes in our species as we reverted to the previous brutal primate social structures that had been modified and/or repressed by frequent consumption of psilocybin.

©1992 Terrence McKenna (P)2012 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Deserves to be a modern classic on mind-altering drugs and hallucinogens." ( The Washington Post)

Psychedelic Manifesto

Interesting theories. A lot of heady anthropology and background mixed with a new vision for cultural use of psychoactive plants and substances.

The narrator talks quickly. This made digesting some of the new (to me) vocabulary and names of indigenous people groups difficult.

Excellent

This is by far the most profound book on psychedelics that I have ever come across. Worthy of your time and money.

I have to re-listen

Where does Food of the Gods rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I really enjoyed it, but I must read/listen to it again to get the most of all the historical data contained within.

Any additional comments?

buy it

cubensis rules

listen and awaken. Explains our reality and how to fix it. back to Eden and beyond

Ahhhh truth in the midst of Falseworld

One of the most important books of our time. Without a doubt. Especially now currently amidst the most uncertain times on Earth.

Loved it.

Terence has a way with words unlike any other. The only downside was having to hear it through another man's voice and cadence.

Must read

Must read book for anyone willing. This profound and sober look at humans & culture is very compelling.

more unknown details

the depth of this book is amazing. in such a short book, it covered everything from evolution, religion, and finance. all relatable to the plant based drugs

Eye opening

Very informative and detailed. I will buy a hard copy for future use and reference.

extraordinary content

I enjoyed this book deeply. I respect how much research and facts were stated. will re-listen and present to friends. thank you.