Book Review: How to Change Your Mind

“…the mind is vaster, and the world ever so much alive, than I knew when I began”

Michael Pollan’s How to Change Your Mind, is first a recording of how one can grow if only they keep an open mind and second is a personal telling of the history, science and predictions of psychedelics. Pollan describes how whispers of nascent (personal and) professional research about psychedelics contributed to him deciding to review them intimately. He adopts an open but questioning approach to the topic, thus embarking on an intellectual and unexpectedly transforming journey. It is a journey that many readers of the book will find themselves partaking in.

Pollan begins at the very beginning, with very little scientific knowledge of substances collectively known as psychedelics and with the memory of the dramatic end to the psychedelic 60s. A beginning that many readers might mirror. He goes on the meticulously review both of these areas. Pollan describes the chemicals behind popular psychedelics such as LSD, MDMA and psilocybin (mushrooms) and their history of discovery. He does so, inquisitively, posing questions to understand why evolution supported naturally occurring psychedelics. In doing so, he uses intellectual legitimization to chip away a bit at the negative imagery behind psychedelics, leveraging the benefits of being open-minded.

Pollan does not stop there. Through his own psychedelic experiences, his inquisitiveness and his meticulous story-telling, Pollan shines a light on the positives of psychedelics. He interviews researches who are believe that psychedelics can help with the treatment of depression and PTSD based on recent trials. He describes how neuroscientists posit that psychedelics provide evidence of a model of the brain which isn’t bounded just by our sense of self. He echoes the thought of some that this could imply that everyone could benefit from experiencing this other view of our brain. Benefits that have so far been experienced by those who meditate and young children, apart from those who have ingested psychedelics.

Pollan pushes the boundaries of thought with contemplative questions about the nature of consciousness shared by plants and animals and what it means to be one with the universe. The most admirable aspect of the book is Pollan’s restraint. He begins the book with some skepticism and little knowledge of psychedelics. He ends the book with a lot of scientific and spiritual questions and a lot of knowledge of psychedelics. He strives to provide the facts, provides his opinions and shares his reservations. The promise of the book is an honest attempt at providing an unbiased opinion on psychedelics.