Higher Wisdom
Eminent Elders Explore the Continuing Impact of Psychedelics
Roger Walsh & Charles Grob (eds.). Published by State University of New York Press.

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DESCRIPTION FROM BACK COVER

Psychedelics have been a part—often a central and sacred part—of most societies throughout history, and for half a century psychedelics have rumbled through the Western world, seeding a subculture, titillating the media, fascinating youth, terrifying parents, enraging politicians, and intriguing researchers. Not surprisingly, these curious chemicals fascinated some of the foremost thinkers of the twentieth century, fourteen of whom were interviewed for this book. Because no further human research can be done, these researchers constitute an irreplaceable resource. Higher Wisdom offers their fascinating anecdotes, invaluable knowledge, and hard-won wisdom—the culmination of fifty years of research and reflection on one of the most intriguing and challenging topics of our time.

Acclaim for Higher Wisdom

“Psychedelics have been a part—often a central and sacred part—of most societies throughout history, and for half a century psychedelics have rumbled through the Western world, seeding a subculture, titillating the media, fascinating youth, terrifying parents, enraging politicians, and intriguing researchers.  Not surprisingly, these curious chemicals fascinated some of the foremost thinkers of the twentieth century, fourteen of whom were interviewed for this book.  Because no further human research can be done, these researchers constitute an irreplaceable resource.  Higher Wisdom offers their fascinating anecdotes, invaluable knowledge, and hard-won wisdom—culmination of fifty years of research and reflection on one of the most intriguing and challenging topics of our time.

Roger, Albert Hofmann and Stan Grof

This is an important book, not only as a valuable historical document, but as a reminder of the remarkable promise and peril of what are broadly called psychedelics.  The fact is—apart from all the government oppression at one end to the hippie hype at the other—psychedelics are a profound doorway into areas of the psyche rarely glimpsed otherwise, and thus, at the very least, are important psychological research tools.  However, because the oppressive side of the argument has generally won the day, accounts such as those contained in this book are not only invaluable historical records, but reminders of the importance of individual freedom of choice as well.”
—Ken Wilber, author of A Brief History of Everything

“Higher Wisdom takes us back into the rush of optimism on human potentials and spiritual depths that drove a generation of psychedelic researchers.  Walsh and Grob have edited a fascinating book.”
—T. George Harris, former editor of Psychology Today

“This is an inspiring and important record, one of courageous explorers and amazing stories describing a critical chapter in the transformation of human consciousness.”
—Jack Kornfield, author of A Path with Heart: A Guide Through the Perils and Promises of Spiritual Life