One time period of American history that has always fascinated me was the Sixties. The philosophy of the Hippie Movement has always been in line with my way of thinking.
Most hippies were vegetarians, Buddhists, free spirits, anti-greed, anti-corporation, anti-violence and all about love. You can see how I can relate to all of this. However, I never figured out how drugs got into the mix.
Being that I have spent a lot of time in ashrams and studying with monks, drug use has never been a condoned practice. To be candid, I personally never understood the allure of getting high through a substance when you can get high on life. People that I knew who tried drugs always seemed worse off after the experience which only seemed to prove my point.
Of course, this is coming from someone who has had a lot of mystical experiences so there was no need to try drugs. This only confused me as to why would the hippies be so enamored with drug use.
Granted, many hippies were probably hippies because it was fashionable at the time and maybe were not true believers in the hippie philosophy. Yet whenever someone talks about the Sixties, the topic of drugs usually arises.
A couple of months ago, I was given the opportunity to review the book, The Harvard Psychedelic Club by Don Lattin and I jumped at the opportunity. I was curious to see if this book would solve the mystery for me and it did.
This book covers the lives of Timothy Leary, Richard Alpert (Ram Dass), Huston Smith and Dr. Andrew Weil and how they influenced the Sixties with their work in psychedelic drug research.
The book is a very interesting read and Lattin does a wonderful job in showing how things developed in terms of spirituality and psychedelic drugs. The interesting thing is that initially, the drugs were used in a research study with the intention of showing people that there was more to life than what they saw.
Apparently, when people were given the drug in an environment where they were monitored, they had profound mystical experiences which showed them the beauty of the Universe and gave them spiritual insight as to how things worked. Basically, they were exposed to many levels of consciousness.
When the drug was administered without supervision, many people had violent experiences that were the opposite of being mystical.
Timothy Leary and Richard Alpert were the two psychologists who started the research into psychedelic drugs. Huston Smith, a religious scholar(who was a member of the same order that I studied under when I was on the monastic path), was brought into the project in order to provide more spiritual knowledge into the research. Huston Smith stated that his experience in the project increased his love for God.
Dr. Andrew Weil, who was not involved in the project, wrote an article which led to Harvard shutting down the program. As a result, Leary and Alpert were kicked out of Harvard. Alpert went on to become the famous spiritual teacher Ram Dass after a life changing trip to India.
Unfortunately, Leary became more immersed in drug use and ended up spending the rest of his life running away from the law due to his actions.
The book also indicates that at the same time of the Harvard Psychedelic Club, the CIA was testing to see if LSD (a psychedelic) could be used as a weapon in military actions. The thought being that the drug would confuse soldiers and distract them.
What I really found interesting in the book was that the whole premise of the Harvard Psychedelic Club was to help people find meaning in life. The intention of Leary and Alpert was a noble one. They wanted to show people that there was more to life than what they saw and they felt that by having such drug trips, people would realize that they had to live their lives with greater passion and awareness.
Life was more than just doing the expected. There is meaning behind everything…we just do not see it. People who used those drugs were given a window to see that life is rich in layers.
Yet because the project got shut down, the message of the project got lost and it all became about using drugs. Leary was the person who created the phrase, “turn on, tune in,drop out”. Alpert and Smith did not agree with Leary’s famous phrase because they felt it diminished what they were trying to accomplish in the club.
Reading this book was a delight because it solved my mystery. It also made me have greater compassion for those who turn to drugs because it showed to me that so many people want to rid themselves of existential pain. They want to see and experience mysticism for they want proof that there is more to life than what we see and are taught.
Also, what I loved about the book was that it gave some history about the Vedanta Order that I was a part of and it was a nice walk down memory lane. I highly recommend reading this book for it is one of the best history books I have ever read.
And if you are looking to have a mystical experience and be exposed to levels of higher consciousness, here is my advice: meditate and dedicate yourself to a true spiritual path and trust me, it will come and without the use of drugs.
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This is awesome, Nadia! I’ve never understood the allure of drugs, either. For me, drugs have always had the same effect as alcohol, numbing me to the pain that I was experiencing and dulling my senses. And while I certainly have experienced my fair share of pain that I wanted to be rid of, I never liked the loss of control that is the price that is paid.
Hmm. I suppose that my control freak tendencies actually served a good purpose! They kept me off drugs when I was young and foolish!
Now that I no longer feel the need to control everything in my life, maybe I should give drugs another try? (I’m kidding, of course)
Jay Schryer´s last blog ..The Miracle
Hi Jay,
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. I am happy that I am not the only one who felt or feels that way.
You raised a great point about how numbing the pain does not remove the pain. I think people get drunk or do drugs to rid the pain. I totally get that but no substance will rid a person of pain. Only we can do that.
Here’s to loving life from a natural high!
By the way, the best “drug”….LOVE!
“People that I knew who tried drugs always seemed worse off after the experience which only seemed to prove my point. ” I find that to be true too. But I do know some folks who occasionally smoke a little weed and seem to be very happy and productive. But perhaps “seem to be” is a relative term.
I love meditating, now that I am going easier on myself with it than when I first tried it with “The Power Of now” years ago, when I tried to go it alone. I remember making myself physically sick with that book as I tried to follow his teachings.
But NOW with blogs like yours, Jan Lundy’s and others, I find such support and uplifting advice on meditating. It is delicious and happy for me. I still am only sitting still for about 5 minutes, but that’s better than no minutes.
Thank you, Lovely Enlightening Nadia!
And is that Lance character typing up his comment as I type mine, and has he raced me to the “Submit” punch on this ??
I’ll see after I hit my “Submit.” 
xo
Hi Jannie,
No worries on how you felt about the “Power of Now”. When I first read it, I was at the beginning of my spiritual journey and the book overwhelmed too. It took me a while until I was able to fully comprehend it.
So much of life is a matter of timing and it seems (based on what you have written) that now is your time to discover meditating. It is wonderful that so many people are discovering the joys of it.
And no worries as to the amount of time. Whatever works for you…that is what matters. And of course, the fact that you enjoy it too is equally important.
Hope all is awesome!
Wow, I did race him here for once! Wonders never cease.
Hi Jannie,
You are funny. Who knows…maybe he already was here but did not leave a comment? Hmmm….a mystery that we may never solve.
Nadia, thanks for covering this – I have always been fascinated by the sixties too and these individuals (have read some of their writings, particularly Ram Dass) but had never really gotten the whole story either, and had many of your same questions. I like that you said reading this gave you more compassion for those who turn to drugs/substances out of pain or a true desire for ’something more’ (the longing for which is a kind of pain too I think), as I think that is true. It’s interesting meditation is being used in more and more addiction recovery programs now. Maybe a day will come when people have easy access to so many other choices for dealing with their pain that destructive addictions are no longer an issue…
Lisa (mommymystic)´s last blog ..10 Things I’ve Learned (or Think) About 2012…
Hi Lisa,
When I was offered to be a part of this book tour, I jumped at the chance because I really wanted to know what happened. I always felt like I was missing a piece of the puzzle and this book solved it. It also most definitely increased my compassion for those who turn to drugs to erase their pain or discover meaning in life. It never crossed my mind that people would do drugs in an effort to find meaning. That was a huge eye opener.
And I loved what you wrote about how maybe with more options (such as meditation), there will no longer be the need for destructive addictions. May that happen sooner than later.
Wow, both Jannie and I beat Lance…but that Jay character, he is fast-fingers!!
Lisa (mommymystic)´s last blog ..10 Things I’ve Learned (or Think) About 2012…
Hi Lisa,
LOL.
Jay and Lance usually are the first to comment on most blogs. As I told Jannie, maybe Lance read the post but had no comment. It is a mystery that may never be solved! 
Hope all is awesome with you and your family!
Hi Nadia .. I’m not sure why – but I just simply didn’t like the idea of drugs in the late 60s early 70s and managed to avoid them all the time – thank goodness. I didn’t want to smoke either. Alcohol – well I do enjoy my wine – but I’m quite happy without it.
Now – I’m anxious about the world .. as there’s such availability .. and it’s frightening at what the young are doing to their bodies, when they are so young. Trying drugs – to me .. seems to be a way of avoiding an issue.
Someone spiked my drink once – because I was saying no .. and I was completely out of it – zonked and felt pretty odd the next day .. thank goodness I was ok … but I was not pleased – it was when I was in SA with a whole lot of advertising people – not my normal mix of friends.
I’d like to read it sometime – and interesting to know of the Verdanta Order – I’ll recognise that name in future .. You’re a great resource and it’s so good we’re here .. I’m looking forward to getting going with Jan’s meditation ..
Enjoy today – Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
Hilary´s last blog ..Saint Hilary, Happy Anniversary, Hilary Term and ..
Hi Hilary,
That is scary that someone spiked your drink because you were saying no. Thankfully, you were okay.
There is a lot of pain out there and people look for ways to erase it. Many turn to drugs as a way to ease the pain. Some also probably do it because they think it is fun or cool. Of course, no one knows why people do what they do. All I know is that people do things for reasons that seem logical to them. Not my place to judge or decide. That is why this book made me more compassionate for those who turn to such things.
And thank you for calling me a great resource. I love to share information and stories.
Hope all is well!
Hey, Nadia! Oh… I LOVED this book in a BIG way. I loved everything about it… the story, the message, the way the author did such amazing research in preparation for this exposition… everything. I’ll talk more about that in my review next week, but suffice to say, I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone looking for an interesting, non-fiction, non-traditional sort of book.
Great review, btw, and so very different from Tim Brownson’s awesome review. Just goes to show, it takes all kinds to weave this magical tapestry we call life.
Lisis´s last blog ..Book Review: Female Brain Gone Insane
Hi Lisis,
It definitely was an enjoyable read. I learned so much and it was interesting to discover how everything came to be. Goes to show you that the truth is far more interesting than we could ever imagine. As I said in my review, this book solved so many questions for me.
And isn’t it awesome how so many people can read the same thing and talk about it in a way that is uniquely them? Got to love life!
Hi Nadia:
I enjoyed this post and I like your message at the end about getting by without getting high. Reading your post reminded me of time spent with my friends and seeing the Grateful Dead in the early 90s. I went to a bunch of shows and was amazed to see everyone try to re-create that 1960’s culture in the parking lot. The good thing is that everyone was very peaceful (much more peaceful than tailgaters at a college or pro football game). But I also saw many people depend on the effects of the drugs to determine whether they had a good time at the concerts. Some people took it too far.
I’ve basically stuck with drinking and agree with Jay that it basically numbs me. I enjoy a drink or two with my meals but that’s it. I’m also a big fan of Dr. Drew and his radio show and Celebrity Rehab shows. I don’t really like reality shows, but listening and watching his shows have really educated me about addition and it is very sad and very scary.
The book you reviewed sounds very intriguing and worth a read for a lot of reasons. It seems that every big city in America has its own modern day version of San Francisco’s Haight/Ashbury neighborhood. I think, IMHO, people are searching for community and connection. Thanks for another great post and turning us onto an interesting book!
Hi Tim,
One of the kids I grew up with was a big Grateful Dead fan and he always talked about how great the concerts were. I am not surprised that people would want to re-create such a time. It was a time when people really wanted change. It is kind of ironic, at least to me, how some people who were hippies went on to become yuppies. It is as if they sold out which is kind of sad.
You also made a great point about people looking for community and connection. That is so true. I think we all want to be loved and to be part of something. I have been thinking about this a lot lately. Due to stuff that is happening around me, it is clear that people are more lonely now than before and I think many people want meaning. Often we look for meaning in community. I know for myself that blogging has exposed me to such a great community. How I wish you all were actually around me in person because it would be so awesome.
Actually, what you wrote reminds me of a quote from C.S. Lewis : “we read so we are not alone”. I think that is true not only about reading but all human interactions.
Hope all is awesome and thank you so much for sharing your thoughts!
Nadia — This was a very interesting post for me as I also grew up ion the border between the Sixties and the Seventies. I can remember going to concerts where drugs, like mescaline and peyote were handed out like candy…that was a bit scary!
I really appreciated learning about this book. It seems to me that the Harvard Psychedelic Club opened a window that showed us what was possible and what our brains could create if we lowered the barriers. In some ways, they made us want to find new ways to capture the highs they felt.
Thankfully, today, we’ve learned more about how to lower these barriers without the use of drugs:~)
Great post!!
Sara´s last blog ..2012 Doomsayers – Are They Right?
Hi Sara,
Thank you so much for sharing what you observed when you were a kid. You are right, that is kind of scary.
I also loved how you wrote about the lowering of barriers. There are still some barriers but those are gradually breaking away which is wonderful. I often think we have complicated things far more than needed or is necessary…maybe that is why some seek refuge in drugs. Life sometimes can be overwhelming and if a person does not believe that life has meaning, it is understandable why someone would seek solace in a substance.
And you are right, it is wonderful that we now know of ways to lower the barrier without the use of drugs!
Having been around the mentally ill most of my life (my Dad is a psychiatrist), I was always very wary of illicit drugs. Research has proven there is a strong link between heavy drug use and some forms of mental illness (like schizophrenia). Granted, I may have allegedly experimented with one particular plant based drug a couple of times but my fear of the damage these types of substances can cause kept me away from it (thankfully). Besides, the effect it had was to put me sound asleep, meaning I missed out on the rest of the party! Back then, that was just a plain unacceptable result!
Very interesting post Nadia. Thanks!
Sami – Life, Laughs & Lemmings´s last blog ..Kick Arse Question – Tides of Change
Hi Sami,
I know what you mean. In my mind, to really enjoy the party, a person has to be fully at the party. Being unconscious never was appealing to me. However, to be fair, I can see how many people would want to ease their pain that way. So I guess it depends on the amount of the pain…maybe or maybe not.
Whatever the case maybe…here’s to loving life fully conscious and alive!
Hi, Nadia! I’m really glad you liked the book! And I’m especially interested in your take on it, trying to understand why people take drugs. I never understood the allure of drugs, and while it’s nice to take a Vicodin or something when I’m in pain, I don’t have any desire to take it unless I have a reason.
Anyway, you’ve made this book sound fascinating! Thanks for being on the tour!
Hi Trish,
Thank you so much for stopping by and for letting me take part in reviewing this book. I loved it and it answered so many questions for me.
And I know what you mean about not wanting to take anything unless there is a reason. I agree and think many people feel the same way too!
Hope all is awesome!
Hi Nadia,
{slacker alert!!!} What? Somebody’s been changing my clocks! They are all off! Jannie?? Lisa?? Which one of you did that?? (ha!!!)
I’ve never gotten the whole draw of drugs either. And I have really come to believe, anyway, that there is so much that is housed within our bodies…that we don’t fully grasp yet. I don’t see drugs helping to get there…although I suppose I can see the pull for people to experience something “greater”. It’s the controlling force that these drugs can have, that is so scary to me.
And as I read this, I just kept thinking – what a great history lesson! And then…those were your words…the history lesson from this. And in understanding, I also have a different appreciation for those who have resorted to drugs. And, really – not having walked in their footsteps…I have only a deeper appreciation for the draw of these substances…to have a deeper experience…
Still, I’ll stick with my own reality…sometimes that can get “out there” a bit…and that’s a great place to be…
Lance´s last blog ..Be Remarkable!
Hi Lance,
The mystery has been solved! We were wondering where you were.
You are right….the potential that is within us is quite profound and not many people understand that fact. The human body and soul is a very powerful “machine”.
I am also happy to know that this post helped create an understanding of why some would turn to drugs. Sometimes the pain of living or the lack of meaning may cause someone to use drugs in an effort to find comfort.
May everyone find inner peace and meaning. We each are here for a reason!
Hi Nadia,
I loved your review of this book! I think this is going to be great to see this book through your eyes as well as Lisis. And guess what, I’m also reviewing this book for the author, too! But, I’ll keep a lid on my thoughts on the book, which I’ll post on January 26th.
Suffice it to say – it was a wild ride. Thanks for your view of the book, Nadia. When I saw your post was about this book, I really got excited! What better person to review this book that you! Maybe I’ll just send all my readers over to you and Lisis??? My work here is done. ha ha
Thanks, Nadia. Hope all is well on the other coast!
Lori´s last blog ..Guest Post by Jason Ulsrud: Hold On, How I’m Surviving
Hi Lori,
Cool on also doing a review of this book. I look forward to reading your thoughts. It is always fun to see how people may view the same book. Each person takes from a book or an experience something that resonates with them and it is nice to observe!
All is awesome over here. A bit cold but awesome!
Hi Nadia
It shows how skewed the purpose can get for each individual and how egos can get in the way and how that can influence the outcome.
Seeking purpose, seeing beyond appearances has been a long time and great persuit and a difficult one, obviously.
I love how you bring that to the fore and how Alpert has been able to continue his amazing journey and how Leary obviously never really got into the search with his heart in the first place, I think.
In the end that happens, drugs or not, some stay steadfast on their journey regardless and others lose the plot. Many of us lose the plot anayway I would say, drugs or not.
I do not want to make drugs a scapegoat, it might give us something to blame when the drugs are never really the issue, our search for meaning and ways to support us to get there are the issue.
I like that you say that creating a loving supportive environment obviously allowed people to acces their heart’s intelligence on the project, as Humberto Maturana says, love is the only emotion that expands intelligence. NOW there is a drug that we should go after. I am and you are clearly too.
Thanks for reviewing the book in this way, love Wilma.
Wilma Ham´s last blog ..Ann-Marie on Do we actually play ‘Heart Centered’ Team?
Hi Wilma,
I agree with your views of Alpert and Leary. Leary had a lot of painful events in his life. One wife of his committed suicide and she blamed him for her pain. That is a huge load to carry. So his heart was in a different place.
And yay for love! It truly is the most powerful force in the Universe.
One more thing, I also loved what you wrote about how some lose sense of the plot. That is true and I do think for some people it is hard to see meaning in life. However, there is probably a reason for that too. People come to see meaning when they are ready.
That said, I would not advocate using drugs. I would prefer someone to go within for all the answers are there. They may need a guide to shift through stuff but the answers are within each one of us.
Thank you for spreading love and community as you do! Love and hugs to you!
I’m so glad you read and reviewed this book — I was waiting to hear what you thought! Like you, I’ve never understood or used drugs, and the thought of putting such powerful foreign substances in my body scares me. Although I’ve also read accounts of highly trained spiritual teachers who have (allegedly) popped a handful of drugs into their system and had nothing happen because they could control their body’s response through their minds.
I don’t think I’d be that person!
I loved your advice at the end: meditation is the ultimate high, and the only mind-altering trip I care to take. Amen!
Megan “JoyGirl!” Bord´s last blog ..Redefining Success
Hi Megan,
That is so sweet that you were waiting to hear what I thought of this book.
The concept of taking drugs never appealed to me either. So I am happy I am not alone in this belief.
I’d rather achieve higher levels of consciousness through meditation than through a drug. Actually, love is the best medicine in the Universe!
Hope all is awesome!
Hi Nadia! Loved your review – and the book! Just as there were two avenues of purpose in the “research” – there were two avenues of hippies, basically the druggies and the meditators. I was in the latter one. In my little corner of that world, we knew that there were others who found the high only thru drugs. If anything, there was a desire to disassociate, to declare ourselves drug-free, but sadly the “establishment” managed to lump us all together so they could poo-poo our efforts for peace. I think the movement itself would have had a lot more impact were it not for those who’s drug use was so blatant and destructive.
I may have “changed clothes” and gone into the corporate world for a living, but the hippie blood has pumped my heart for decades – drug free! Today’s “movement” into spirituality and etc. is so much like the days I remember in my youth that it makes me smile and feel at home, coming full circle, and putting peace over riches. As Martha says, “It’s a GOOD thing!”
Hi SuZen,
Eckhart Tolle said that the hippie movement had it right except that they went astray when it came to drugs. What you wrote confirms that for me because I think the beliefs of the movement were just awesome but the drug part ruined it for the establishment which focused primarily on that. Kind of sad because they really could have changed the world.
However, history repeats itself and I think that is what is happening now. Yay! There are those who want a world rooted in peace and love. And there are others who want things to stay the same. Hopefully, this time our side will win out!
Actually, we will win. Love always wins in the end!
Love and hugs to you. I am grateful to be in the same group as you!
There are so many ways to reach spiritual awakenings without drugs. It’s a shame that so many people praise their use.
My favorite place to feel spiritual is in nature. There is something so delicate and strong about 100 tiny insects on the underside of a leaf. I recently saw this and wished I had my camera with me. I’ll never forget those little creatures of the same dimensions, but they were all various colors and sizes. I literally got goose bumps.
I understand why people turn to quick fixes, but to reach true spiritual feelings we need to do this through our true selves, not with drugs that cloud our judgment.
Karl Staib – Work Happy Now´s last blog ..Hard, Fun and Beautiful – Creative Pen Edition
Hi Karl,
I agree with you about nature. My favorite spot is at the beach and looking at the ocean. Whenever I am at the ocean, everything looks so small in comparison and it reminds me of the awesomeness of life.
Rainbows are a favorite too. Actually…anything natural is beautiful and inspiring. I know what you mean about the goose bumps. It is a wonderful feeling to feel that connection and to see nature at work.
And quick fixes never solve a problem. They are just like band-aids….a temporary “solution”. True spiritual awareness comes from within and is only achieved by us and through us.
Hope all is well!
Nadia,
I find your review fascinating, and the readers comments just as insightful. I would not normally choose this book, but am now intrigued. Isn’t some kind of understanding/heightened awareness what we all search for at one time or another; just using different methods.
Drug use is prevalent in my boating community; I’ve never understood it. My brother and one of my best friends have been addicted for years and I don’t understand that either. I understand a pain so great you’d like to be rid of it, but my view is that in my own life that pain has motivated me to heal and grow farther than I knew possible, and with drug use you are numbing so much your body cannot heal as it is naturally accustomed. For me personally, the best way to heightened awareness is through yoga, meditation, sailing, journaling, days spent without technology at my islands. When all is quiet I can be so focused on the splendor around me I am filled with praise, and so calm that insights literally just pop in my mind. Ones that have been bouncing around for a while just waiting to be noticed. All right here at my fingertips when I am ready and willing to be aware.
And if the best “drug” is love…shoot I’m game, count me in
Hi Joy,
That is interesting that drug use is prevalent in your boating community. For some reason, you would think being out at sea would be a natural high especially being surrounded by the beauty of the ocean. However, not everyone sees things from that perspective.
Like you, I have never understood the concept of healing pain via a drug. I always knew that my healing would have come to through me and that the best way to get over pain was to just work through it. To get to the cause and heal it. Seeking solace from a drink or a pill just never seemed logical to me.
As a result of reading this book and other experiences, I realize that for some people it is hard to believe in the spiritual since it is such an unknown. Unknown in the sense that for some people it is hard to believe in spiritual things when so much of spirituality is rooted in feelings. So to be able to have spiritual awareness is a huge gift.
And yes, love is definitely the best “drug” there is in the Universe!
And PS. I will never be first like Lance and Jay…I prefer the “late entrance” so I can have the pleasure of reading the post and comments leisurely all at once:)
Hi Joy,
That is a great point! I guess we each have a method that works best for us.
I also identify with the hippie culture sans the drug aspect. I like the way you talk about the issue and about that famous LSD project. I always likened it to taking steroids. Your taking drugs to skip the hard work. To experience levels of consciousness, a person has to delve into themselves, overcoming fears, defenses, etc. Not an easy task!
lena´s last blog ..Wickedly Good–A Night at The Academy
Hi Lena,
You hit the nail on the head. Taking LSD is like taking steroids because it allows a person to skip the hard work. The irony is that the hard work is what provides the insight and wisdom. Anything that comes fast, goes fast. Slow and steady always wins the race!
Hi Nadia, I had to smile when I read Dr. Weil wrote an article and shut down the whole program.Here is our earthy, alternative, un-scholar showing them some other views.Who needs a chemical to experience bliss-it is for free and you can get it by following your heart! We learned this on our own with the souls we were given.
Blessings, Deb
Deb/AskYourSpirit´s last blog ..Voices Carry
Hi Deb,
Actually, Dr. Weil wanted to be a part of the project but was not allowed to do so. The author of the book states that Weil’s article (the one that led to the close of the project) was done out of a desire to revenge and not noble causes. The book also states that Weil spent some time in Mexico and Latin America in search of a guru so that he could try the magic mushrooms and have experiences of higher levels of consciousness. However, he never got his wish and that caused him to turn in another direction. Ironically, that other direction is what caused him to be the famous doctor this he is now.
And amen for bliss coming naturally and by following your heart!
Blessings right back to you!
Yes, all IS awesome with friends like you in my life, Nadia!!
xo
Fannie Junster´s last blog ..Am I The Only One…?
Hi Jannie,
Aaawww….thank you!
Btw, what’s with the Fannie Junster instead of Jannie Funster?
Nadia,
Thanks for your thoughtful review of my book. Being a print dinosaur, it took me awhile to discover it, but I love the discussion it has sparked. I also wanted to let people know that they can see other reviews and learn more about the book and my work via my website (donlattin.com) or on a Harvard Psychedelic Club fan page we’ve set up on Facebook. Enjoy!
Hi Don,
Thank you so much for leaving a comment. No worries as to the delay.
And you are welcome. I truly loved your book. It answered so many questions for me and gave me a better idea of what happened during that time period. Plus, it is always nice to read a book where you can tell that the writer loved what he was writing about.
I will be sure to check out your site and fan page!
Hope all is awesome!
Nadia,
thanks for sharing!
I was supposed to read this book and review it as you did but I “turned off and dropped out.” LOL. I had a very difficult time knowing if what the author was saying was accurate. It was interesting, but some of what he suggested felt tinged with opinion (esp. about Andrew Weil), so I became a bit cautious about taking it in. Plus the piece on drug use, I admit, did disturb me. I have had this issue hit too close to home to read about this comfortably. I am glad to know that you enjoyed it and found value you in it.
Jan´s last blog ..Day 25: Meditation Challenge ~ Why I Do Metta
Hi Jan,
I do recall seeing your name listed among the blogs that were featuring this book. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts.
One thing that I have never understood about the hippie movement was how drugs were involved. This book solved the mystery. It also made me kind of sad too. So many people want confirmation that life has meaning and that there are higher levels of consciousness. It is unfortunate that they turned to a substance to do that but I can understand why they did. This book helped me to be more compassionate as to why some people turn to drugs. I don’t approve of the method but I can understand the reasoning.
Hope all is awesome!
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