I find it best to argue in good faith when coming to these kinds of low-data conversations. There are obviously many such factors involved in our integration with the environment. Why couldn't it be psilocybin (or other nootropic compound) that pushes us towards a more sustainable future with fewer mental health/chronic pain issues? This is a classic HN takedown of an otherwise interesting post.
> I find it best to argue in good faith when coming to these kinds of low-data conversations.
Nobody on here would say the same about arguments in favour of the magical power of acai berry, and I see no reason why we should treat even more extraordinary zero-data claims of a 'self taught, uncredentialled' guy who sells mushroom based supplements for a living[1] with a greater degree of deference.
There's actual research going on into psychedelics potentially benefiting people with depression or Alzheimers, but we don't need to put people explaining that mass consumption of psychoactives is a viable alternative to industrialisation and will create more Einsteins on the same pedestal
I don't see how psylocybin is any different than cucumbers or alternative medicine, unless we confirm otherwise with rigorous studies. While they might be out there, this piece is not one of them.
Why do you think there is a lack of political will? Is it possible that these kinds of conscious altering plants can change the ideals of politicians to not be solely focused on playing the political game in order to continue to work? I think its more than worth exploring alternatives to allow the people who rule us to have an expanded conscious on how they can impact the lives of the people in their communities. Many people who have taken psychedelics, especially psilocybin have claimed it is a life changing experience for the better.
> Why do you think there is a lack of political will?
I'm going to go out on a limb and say because getting countries as diverse as the US, China and Saudi Arabia to consent to shutting down the industrialised world and people to accept not having nice things is incredibly difficult, and carbon capture solutions which might be more politically palatable are less proven plays a bigger role in the climate continuing to change than politicians not taking psychedelic drugs.
I see your point, and agree that getting high off mushrooms isn't going to solve the climate crisis. Most people aren't arguing that instead of continuing to pursue renewable energy we should just take mushrooms instead.
But I would argue that psychedelic use, when done appropriately and carefully, can be a catalyst for changing collective ideologies that have lead us to the dangerous path that we are on.
This magical mushroom needs to be distributed to people, right? And they need to be grown, right?
Unless they are grown in Narnia and transported via teleportation, they are going to cause CO2 emissions, for dubious gains. His argument was - it made me believe in unity with nature, ergo it will work on everyone. Also here is an unverified study.
