In this chapter, the speaker discusses the ancient mysteries of illusis and the role that psychedelics may have played in antiquity. They highlight the long history and significance of the illusis rites, which lasted for nearly 2000 years and involved prominent figures in ancient Western thought. The speaker also mentions the controversial book 'The Road to Illusis' and the scholarly controversy surrounding the thesis that psychedelics were involved in the mysteries.
Sam Harris speaks with Brian Muraresku about ancient mystery religions and the possible psychedelic roots of Christianity. They discuss the Mysteries of Eleusis, the “pagan continuity hypothesis,” the cult of Dionysius, the Dead Sea scrolls and the Gnostic Gospels, Christianity as a cult of human sacrifice, the evidence for the use of psychedelics in ancient rites, the chemical analysis of ancient wine and beer, why Brian hasn’t tried psychedelics, the need for a modern Mysteries of Eleusis, and other topics.
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Learning how to train your mind is the single greatest investment you can make in life. That’s why Sam Harris created the Waking Up app. From rational mindfulness practice to lessons on some of life’s most important topics, join Sam as he demystifies the practice of meditation and explores the theory behind it.