Entheogens and the Development of Culture: The Anthropology

Entheogens and the Development of Culture: The Anthropology and Neurobiology of Ecstatic Experience

Entheogens and the Development of Culture makes the radical proposition that mind-altering substances have played a major part not only in cultural development but also in human brain development. Researchers suggest that we have purposely enhanced receptor sites in the brain, especially those for dopamine and serotonin, through the use of plants and fungi over a long period of time. The trade-off for lowered functioning and potential drug abuse has been more creative thinking--or a leap in consciousness. Experiments in entheogen use led to the development of primitive medicine, in which certain mind-altering plants and fungi were imbibed to still fatigue, pain, or depression, while others were taken to promote hunger and libido. Our ancestors selected for our neural hardware, and our propensity for seeking altered forms of consciousness as a survival strategy may be intimately bound to our decision-making processes going back to the dawn of time.

Fourteen essays by a wide range of contributorsâ€”including founding president of the American Anthropological Associationâ€™s Anthropology of Religion section Michael Winkelman, PhD; Carl A. P. Ruck, PhD, Boston University professor of classics and an authority on the ecstatic rituals of the god Dionysus; and world-renowned botanist Dr. Gaston Guzma, member of the Colombian National Academy of Sciences and expert on hallucinogenic mushroomsâ€”demonstrate that altering consciousness continues to be an important part of human experience today. Anthropologists, cultural historians, and anyone interested in the effects of mind-altering substances on the human mind and soul will find this book deeply informative and inspiring.
Country USA
Brand North Atlantic Books
Manufacturer North Atlantic Books
Binding Paperback
Color Multicolor
ReleaseDate 2013-07-30
UnitCount 1
EANs 9781583946008

Country	USA
Brand	North Atlantic Books
Manufacturer	North Atlantic Books
Binding	Paperback
Color	Multicolor
ReleaseDate	2013-07-30
UnitCount	1
EANs	9781583946008

Entheogens and the Development of Culture: The Anthropology and Neurobiology of Ecstatic Experience

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