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Acid Horizon
Ketamine King: Tech Bros, AI Delusions, and the Politics of Disassociation
Mar 30, 2025
Taija Mars McDougall, author of "King Ketamine," dives into the intriguing world of ketamine use among tech elites like Elon Musk. She discusses how this substance acts as a catalyst for disassociation and reflects the bizarre realities of billionaire culture. McDougall explores the political implications of drug use on social movements, critiques AI's ethical dilemmas, and shares her own experiences with altered states of consciousness. The conversation touches on everything from hallucinations to the intersection of psychoanalysis and American culture.
01:04:48
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast critiques ketamine's role as a favored escape for tech elites, highlighting its potential to exacerbate disassociation and unrealistic self-perceptions.
- It discusses the troubling intersection of wealth and power dynamics in tech culture, where prominent figures dehumanize marginalized communities, framing their success through demonization.
Deep dives
The Rise of Ketamine and Techno-Fascism
Ketamine has gained attention as both a therapeutic drug and a substance associated with some members of the billionaire class, suggesting a deeper social commentary about addiction and societal norms. While often touted as non-addictive, personal experiences reveal the darker side of ketamine, where users can slide into psychosis and a blurred line between reality and fantasy. This phenomenon raises concerns about how individuals, especially prominent tech figures, use ketamine to escape the impacts of their wealth and power. The discussion underscores the dangers of treating sensual indulgences as benign, which can promote both personal and societal deterioration.
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Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode