Entheogens: A Look at Modern Culture and History

Published on the Microdose.buzz website: https://microdose.buzz/news/entheogens-a-look-at-modern-culture-and-history/

“In the 1960’s something interesting happened — a “rediscovery” of entheogens had a dramatic effect on western culture. These cultural changes were expressed by dramatic shifts in art, fashion, appearance, and behavior.  A rejection of existing cultural values and a strong sense of freedom. Art and music began to reflect the cultural change and the effects of the substances being used. This was seen most dramatically in music, the emergence of musicians like Bob Dylan with lyrics deeply critical of society, the transition of The Beatles from pop-rock to their deeply poetic psychedelic rock, and the emergence of bands like Pink Floyd and the Doors whose music felt inspired by the psychedelic experience.

The world had been growing smaller, having gone through two world wars, the emergence of the industrial-military complex, international travel, and advances in communication. The appearance of mass media in the 20th century allowed rapid dissemination of not only news and information, but also communicated social mores, expected behavior, and the ideals of the American dream. At some stage in the narrative, there was a tipping point. The 1960s suddenly became a melting pot of new ideas, anti-war, civil rights, and gender equality.  Dissatisfied youths caught a wave of revolution, and it peaked during the mid to late sixties.”