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Why tech bros worship psychedelics (and think you should too)
Mar 24, 2025
Maxim Tvorun-Dunn, a PhD candidate at the University of Tokyo, and Emma Goldberg, a business reporter at the New York Times, dive into the intriguing synergy between tech elites and psychedelics. They discuss how these substances are gaining traction among Silicon Valley leaders as tools for self-optimization and spiritual exploration. The conversation also highlights the commercialization of psychedelics, contrasting traditional practices with corporate interest, and raises critical questions about access and ethical implications in this burgeoning industry.
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Quick takeaways
- The rise of psychedelics among tech executives reflects a modern search for spiritual fulfillment outside traditional religion, often tied to workplace culture.
- Concerns over the commercialization of psychedelics highlight issues of cultural appropriation and privilege, particularly regarding access for marginalized communities.
Deep dives
The Rise of Spiritual But Not Religious Practices
Many Americans are moving away from organized religion while still feeling a sense of spirituality. A significant portion, about 28%, identify as having no religious affiliation, with an additional 22% identifying as spiritual but not religious, known as SBNRs. This shift leaves individuals seeking alternative paths for spiritual fulfillment, often turning to personal and workplace experiences to fill the void left by traditional religious communities. As a result, work and career are increasingly seen as avenues for exploring deeper spiritual questions and meaning, leading some to look towards psychedelics as potential tools for spiritual and personal growth.
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