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

“Pollan keeps you turning the pages . . . cleareyed and assured.”—New York Times

A #1 New York Times Bestseller, New York Times Book Review 10 Best Books of 2018, and New York Times Notable Book

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 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

Critic reviews

“Pollan’s deeply researched chronicle will enlighten those who think of psychedelics chiefly as a kind of punchline to a joke about the Woodstock generation and hearten the growing number who view them as a potential antidote to our often stubbornly narrow minds . . . engaging and informative.”—Boston Globe

“Pollan keeps you turning the pages . . . cleareyed and assured.”—New York Times

“Michael Pollan’s How to Change Your Mind: The New Science of Psychedelics changed my mind, or at least some of the ideas held in my mind. . . . Whatever one may think of psychedelics, the book reminds us that the mind is the greatest mystery in the universe, that this mystery is always right here, and that we usually dedicate far too little time and energy to exploring it.”—Yuval Noah Harari, author of Sapiens and 21 Lessons for the 21st Century

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.

Michael Pollan is the man

The grandpa we all wish we had, this man is an excellent storyteller and has the science background to give his tale the solid foundation it needs. great listen, kept my attention the while time.

A window into our minds

This book has given me hope for a new kind of medicine and even a new world. If we can reconnect with the spiritual side of our selves we will be able to take care of each other and the planet and live more fulfilling and happy lives. Thank you for braving this journey, Michael.

A Fantastic Book, Beautifully Delivered

This book has it all: thorough, even-handed research; beautiful writing; and thoroughly engaging storytelling (narration). Michael Pollan nails it on every front. Though he's transparent about his own skepticism and materialist leanings going into the endeavor, his insatiable curiosity drives him to find answers, and he knows he won't find answers that feel valid or satisfying if he's anything less than open to new possibilities that might challenge his paradigm. So, despite his lifelong scientific leanings, he allows space for inspiration, spiritual growth, and even mysticism. Even the interpretations of drug trip experiences that don't resonate with him personally carry weight in his overall assessment of the potential value in the use of psychedelics, and he is quick to validate the importance of each person's experience and interpretation, whether or not it's supported by science. And where the science is concerned, he makes brain chemistry and neurological processes accessible and interesting for even the most avowed right-brain creative. This book is a beautifully woven tapestry of brain science, psychology, history, spirituality and mysticism, and though Pollan would never refer to himself as a mystic, he honors those who do. He organized the book in the most satisfying way imaginable and kept my interest all the way through. I'll be recommending this book to a LOT of people. It will intrigue scientists, psychonauts, and mystics alike.

opened doors

After listening for this audible I finish this journey with a better understanding of the power of the psychedelics in our mind. We have to propagate awareness and also be aware of its dangers to make the most out of it! thanks for the good work!

A Window into expanded consciousness

I’ve never read Michael Pollan before, although I obviously have heard of him over the years. The subject interested me tremendously and his thorough excavation of the science and the spirituality of psychedelics was absolutely thought-provoking and satisfying. I hope to proceed in his footsteps.

Tripping with Michael Pollan

Michael Pollan, the environmentalist and nature writer, explores the history and science of psilocybe (mushrooms), LSD, Ayahuasca, and toad venom, while using himself as a research subject to personally experience the effects of psychoactive plants and substances in How to Change Your Mind. The fascinating history of psychedelic drugs is laced with information about government experimentation with LSD, sometimes on unsuspecting individuals (see Wormwood on Netflix), and micro dosing LSD in Silicon Valley to produce technological breakthroughs through mind expansion.

Pollan reports on his guided clinical sessions with trained therapists working under the radar (these substances are illegal) with thought provoking insight, humor, and empathy for the human condition. He presents a convincing argument for the psychic healing properties of these substances while taken in a controlled environment with a sympathetic and experienced coach. Michael narrates his book, and gives it his authenticity in the reading.

Rebirth for Psychedelics? Time to De-Stigmatize!

I knew nothing other than fascinating stories from my dad so this book was very insightful.

Author Michael Pollan gives a great history of psychedelic therapy that existed in the 50s-60s which were inevitably shutdown due to the expansive use. You learn who is responsible for the origins of LSD and the history of psilocybin and how such a great movement of researchers overwhelmingly felt humanity could benefit from this, "set and setting" being of most importance.

Some researchers pushed the envelope a little too far but the government infiltrated the psychedelic movement and fabricated stories or created events like Frank Olson's death (subordinate employee was unknowingly induced with LSD by supervisor which led to his death). CIA and their MKUltra ruining everything good in humanity. Government is now (8/14/2018) faking stories about Kratom in their subsequent attempts to classify this as a scheduled drug. I wonder how much of this was done in the past for this "war on drugs" aka "war on consciousness." It was interesting to learn about Robert Kennedy's wife benefitting from psychedelic therapy too and how RK tried to promote the positives of the research before this impending doom came. All good things come to an end: government squashed psychedelics for decades.

Pollan encounters mushroom guru Paul Stamets and mushroom hunts to get his own psilocybin experience. His own personal testimonial with his wife is very insightful now reflecting on my previous experiences with my significant others. Pollan barely touches the DMT and Ayahuasca subjects and their history which deserve more attention. I'm getting my DMT history fix from "DMT: The Spirit Molecule" now which is fascinating about Dr. Strassman's research (from the beginning of FDA approval through human trials with intravenous DMT). Dennis McKenna was butthurt about Ayahuasca's history not being shared and how he wasn't consulted. I could see how it would be beneficial to have his input but I'd keep it limited even though I'm a fan of Ayahuasca.

There is no doubt in my mind that through the stories, research, and personal experience, there is a benefit to psychedelic therapy. "Set and setting" is extremely important and, according to this book, those with a family of Schizophrenia should not engage with these perception-altering substances. I will need to do more research on the history of Schizophrenia.

The great awakening is happening. Spiritual awakenings and truth of information included. Government has outlived their welcoming when intervening with our sovereign bodies. Let's spread the truth and love! :]

Incredible!

I bought the hardback just so I could underline so many passages. Now to find a guide!!!

Amazingly great book!

Well research ed, well written, and well narrated. I love the history of psychedelics, the context that is given to on the earlier times when the refers to explored and western medicine. I also love the context given to more recent research in the amazing success stories that researchers have experienced. I'm telling everyone I know about this book.