Psychedelics Then and Now with Zach Leary Episode 72 - Jamie Wheal: Psychedelics and Human Optimization
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Feb 2, 2024 
Jamie Wheal, author of 'Stealing Fire' and founder of the Flow Genome Project, dives into the synergy of psychedelics and human optimization. He discusses the clash between authenticity and commercialization in the psychedelic movement. Wheal emphasizes the significance of community, structured rites of passage, and shared psychotechnologies over solitary experiences. He challenges listeners to navigate the evolving landscape of meaning in society, advocating for grassroots solutions and healthy leadership dynamics within community frameworks.
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Human Evolution and Consciousness
- Jamie Wheal's book, "Recapture the Rapture," aims to reboot Gnostic, mystic, and Christian initiatory culture.
- He believes the next stage in human evolution involves developing a stabilized hyperspatial consciousness.
Instability of Ecstatic Communities
- Ecstatic communities tend to be inherently unstable and often face opposition from established power structures.
- They also tend to attract exploitative individuals who commodify the experience, leading to a loss of authenticity.
Ethical Framework for Psychedelic Use
- Avoid using psychedelics without a prior ethical commitment to personal growth and service to something beyond yourself.
- Without this commitment, psychedelic experiences can lead to ego inflation rather than positive transformation.
