cebolla's review against another edition
4.0
I was shocked to learn that Michael Pollan wrote a book about psychedelics and ordered it immediately. For the most part, it didn't let me down. He's a bit of a square about certain topics, but also tries LSD, Psilocybin, and DMT and has his mind blown. I have taken psychedelics many, many times but haven't really understood what was going on in my brain while tripping. I still don't, but am closer!
eannwang's review against another edition
4.0
I honestly didn't this book was purely focused on psychedelics - I thought it would be a mixture of self-help advice with a sprinkle of mushroom studies. I was still pleasantly entertained at the extent of historical background, case studies, and interesting stories of people experiencing shrooms. The author puts into context the benefits of non-western medicine found in psychedelic plants, his adventures in searching for shrooms grown in the wild, the necessity of a spiritual guide when going on psychedelic trips, and inspiring stories of how people overcame health and mental situations. It's more of a slow burn, but I definitely recommend to broaden your thinking.
big_ass_brain's review against another edition
1.0
This is a very white and western centric book, and not especially useful or educational. Most of the history laid out I can find on Wikipedia and Pollan’s experiments with psychedelics are that of a novice. Pollan doesn’t deem indigenous people’s use of psychedelics relevant in his exploration, except to mention in passing that indigenous people have been using mushrooms and peyote for hundreds or thousands of years. The narratives of rich old white men who control the medical and scientific establishments make up the bulk of the book. In the epilogue, he even says he doesn’t advocate for full legalization because of the potential for a bad trip.
argaj's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
hardiness8471's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
royvdb's review against another edition
3.0
Title: A Thought-Provoking Exploration of Altered States
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"How to Change Your Mind" by Michael Pollan is an intriguing dive into the world of psychedelics and altered states of consciousness. The author's meticulous research and examination of the history, science, and societal perceptions surrounding psychedelics make for an engaging read that sheds light on their potential therapeutic benefits.
One aspect that slightly detracts from the book is the inclusion of personal therapy sessions. While Pollan's experiences provide some firsthand insights, they sometimes veer off from the broader narrative and feel slightly self-indulgent. These sections could have been replaced with more in-depth interviews with researchers, therapists, and individuals who have benefited from psychedelic experiences.
Despite this, Pollan's exploration of the topic remains comprehensive and thought-provoking. The book offers readers a deeper understanding of the transformative power of mind-altering substances, and the potential they hold for improving mental health and personal growth. For those interested in the evolving field of psychedelics, "How to Change Your Mind" offers a valuable perspective, even if some parts could have been refined for a smoother reading experience.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"How to Change Your Mind" by Michael Pollan is an intriguing dive into the world of psychedelics and altered states of consciousness. The author's meticulous research and examination of the history, science, and societal perceptions surrounding psychedelics make for an engaging read that sheds light on their potential therapeutic benefits.
One aspect that slightly detracts from the book is the inclusion of personal therapy sessions. While Pollan's experiences provide some firsthand insights, they sometimes veer off from the broader narrative and feel slightly self-indulgent. These sections could have been replaced with more in-depth interviews with researchers, therapists, and individuals who have benefited from psychedelic experiences.
Despite this, Pollan's exploration of the topic remains comprehensive and thought-provoking. The book offers readers a deeper understanding of the transformative power of mind-altering substances, and the potential they hold for improving mental health and personal growth. For those interested in the evolving field of psychedelics, "How to Change Your Mind" offers a valuable perspective, even if some parts could have been refined for a smoother reading experience.