Summary
"Food of the Gods" by Terence McKenna is a groundbreaking exploration into the role of psychoactive plants in the evolution of human consciousness and culture. McKenna challenges conventional views on drugs, proposing that altered states of consciousness, particularly those induced by plant hallucinogens, have been integral to the development of human language, religion, and social structures. The book embarks on a sweeping journey through history, anthropology, and biochemistry, piecing together a compelling narrative that connects ancient shamanic practices with modern societal dilemmas.
McKenna begins by examining the archaic techniques of ecstasy, highlighting the role of shamanism in early human societies and its connection to natural magic. He posits that the use of visionary plant intoxicants may have been a catalyst for language development, enabling early humans to access higher dimensions of reality and express themselves through creative activity. The book then delves into the significance of food and diet in shaping human evolution, arguing that the incorporation of mutagenic and psychoactive compounds from food plants led to accelerated changes in neural organization and behavior.
The author traces the search for the original 'Tree of Knowledge,' exploring various plant hallucinogens and their potential impact on human cognition. He focuses on Africa as the cradle of human emergence and identifies psilocybin-containing mushrooms as a likely candidate for the catalyst of consciousness, emphasizing their role in enhancing visual acuity, sexual arousal, and access to transcendent experiences. McKenna also examines the effects of these plants on social structures, proposing that they fostered community bonding, group sexual activities, and a communal sense of responsibility.
The book further investigates the suppression of shamanic gnosis and the rise of dominator cultures, characterized by hierarchy, materialism, and male dominance. McKenna argues that the loss of connection to nature and the suppression of the feminine have led to a narcissistic and destructive path, necessitating a revival of archaic values and a reevaluation of our relationship with psychoactive plants. He critically examines the roles of alcohol, tobacco, sugar, coffee, tea, and chocolate in shaping cultural values and contributing to societal imbalances.
In the later sections, McKenna discusses the brief history of psychedelics in the West, from the discovery of LSD to the suppression of psychedelic research. He advocates for the legalization of psychedelics and the recognition of religious use of these plants as a civil rights issue. The book concludes with a call for a new manifesto for new thought about drugs, one that embraces the potential of psychoactive plants to reconnect humanity with nature and foster a more humane and open-ended future, urging a recovery of our origins and a shift towards a Gaian appreciation of the interconnectedness of all life.