#242 — Psychedelics and the Self

Waking Up with Sam Harris

Podcast Notes Key Takeaways The question of who should take psychedelics can only be answered by the individualIf you feel there’s a reason you shouldn’t take a psychedelic, listen to thatPsychedelics are immensely sensitive to Set: Your mental attitudeSetting: Your physical environment and the people around youIf you have therapeutic intentions, an indoor setting would be betterLife SituationTaking psychedelics recreationally is more dangerous than most people thinkIf you want to have a safe high-dose experience take value from it, it is essential to have a guide, or at least a companion or a designated driverA guide makes it much easier to get out of negative experiences“If you get the message, hang up the phone. For psychedelic drugs are simply instruments, like microscopes, telescopes, and telephones” Alan WattsReported benefits with micro-dosingMore effective at work and in the gymMore creativeEnjoyed time with family more than usualIncrease arousalNot indicated for people suffering anxiety

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In this episode of the podcast, Sam Harris speaks with James Fadiman about the psychedelic experience. They discuss who should and shouldn’t take psychedelics, set and setting, the role of a guide, the effects of microdosing, the difference between MDMA and true psychedelics, “good” and “bad” trips, the power of thought, the fiction of a unified self, changing states of self, compassion, and other topics.

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