The Harvard Psychedelic Club Blew My Mind
January 21, 2010
The Harvard Psychedelic Club is Don Lattin’s new book about “How Timothy Leary, Ram Dass, Huston Smith, and Andrew Weil killed the fifties and ushered in a New Age for America.”
That is the neat and tidy synopsis from the cover of the book. The story, however, was intricate and colorful and incredible and bursting with so much fascinating juiciness throughout, it could barely be contained.
I cannot tell you if YOU will like this book, but I CAN tell you I couldn’t get enough of it. I read it cover to cover (which is a rarity these days) with pencil in hand to underline, highlight, and scribble in the margins. I didn’t feel like I was reading it, though… I felt like I was living it. I was transported to a different time and place (like when I listen to John Lennon.)
The author was SO thorough and journalistic in his two years of research, that every character and every event is fully fleshed out, complete with back stories, interesting trivia, and details of how each thing is related to another. It’s like soaking up irresistible gossip about people who were fascinating enough to begin with. Countless times I found myself thinking, “How in the world does he know all this?” It is mind boggling, really… but in a delightful, delectable way. I didn’t want it to end.
The biggest problem I have in reviewing a book like this is I don’t know how I could possibly do it justice. On one level it’s about these Harvard teachers and students who dropped a whole lot of acid in the sixties. But really, it’s not about the drugs. The drugs were merely a vessel they used to expand their consciousness, to shift their perception, to realize that everyone’s hangups are illusions… that there is more to life than what we see.
While I was reading one day, my 9-year-old son was dangling off the edge of the couch and said, “That’s why it’s fun to hang upside down, so we can see the world a different way.” THAT is what the LSD movement was really about (at least initially), and what this book so eloquently chronicles. These four men, with their unique contributions, “changed the way we view the world, heal ourselves, and practice religion.” (p.217)
For the record (and the curious), I’ve never tried drugs, not because I’m a goody-two-shoes (as I’m sure you know), but because I didn’t think I had the psychological constitution for it. I always felt I was one traumatic experience away from a nervous breakdown, and wasn’t willing to take the gamble. I’m a wuss.
The closest I’ve come to a drug-induced psychedelic trip is when I stop by Alex’s Unleash Reality, and his out-of-this-world metaphors leave me transformed.
With that in mind, I couldn’t believe how much I identified with each of these guys. It’s like I’m fighting their same fight… minus the mind-blowing drugs. I felt like I was part of a movement that started before I was born and hasn’t reached its full potential yet. Their mission blends nicely with my purpose at Quest for Balance, and I feel more inspired than ever to make a difference… to be a living example of love, compassion, kindness, and tolerance.
I don’t know about you, but I believe a book that can entertain and educate me, while leaving me with a sense of purpose and renewed optimism about the world and my role in it is pretty spectacular.
If you’ve read it, I’d love to hear what you thought of it.
If you haven’t, you can purchase The Harvard Psychedelic Club
Have YOU read anything lately that changed the way you view the world?
Thanks!
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I have just watched a documentary with Ram Dass couple days ago, loved it. It does sound like a pretty spectacular book Lisis, I’ll definitely check it out. Thank you!
Hey, Lana! Ram Dass was one of the more fascinating case studies for me because I’d always heard of him in the “guru” sense. But the life that created his need to go off to India to purify himself was one of sex, (more sex), drugs, and… well, more sex. I had no idea. Same thing happened with the back stories of each of the four main guys… and Aldous Huxley, and a few others that made an appearance.
I just love to learn new stuff, and this book was packed full of juicy tidbits for me to learn.
Interesting. I like to read success stories and model some of their recipes in creating my own strategy for getting results.
Hey, Eduard! In that case, I think I’d focus on Huston Smith’s story. Although, technically, I guess Andrew Weil is a bigger success story (he’s on Oprah regularly), but how he got there is a bit fishy for me… which I also didn’t know until I read the book. I feel like I’m IN on all the secrets now!
I’ve never been a fan of drugs, or the drug culture. I’ve known too many friends that got lost forever…but that’s a different story for a different day.
It is interesting that the initial desired result was an opening of consciousness, an expanded experience of reality. I’m not sure that the very little good they did is worth all the hurt and suffering that LSD and other psychotropic drugs have caused in the world, but at least their hearts were in the right place.
Yeah, but… it isn’t ABOUT the drugs. In fact, that’s one of the things I liked about the book because I always just dismissed the 60’s drug revolution as a bunch of irresponsible partying kids (which, eventually, is what it became). But that isn’t how it started.
Harvard professors, discovered these 100% natural ’shrooms in Mexico that the natives had been taking for generations to expand their consciousness and mingle with the divine. These guys thought they had found the Holy Grail because, what if there was a way for everyone to take just a little of this and become more loving, compassionate and aware? They thought it would reduce recidivism rates, and make society more peaceful and collaborative… in a totally natural way. What could be better?
Problem is, like with splitting the atom, the research starts for one (perhaps idealistic and naive) reason, and then takes a very ugly turn when it gets distorted along the way, turning into a horrific nuclear bomb.
For me, it was awesome to know that people I really admire, like John Lennon, weren’t just partying with a bunch of irresponsible idiots. They truly believed they had found an answer for what ails the world… a vessel for peace and love to spread like wildfire. Remember, this was at a time when people didn’t realize smoking kills. They didn’t understand (yet) the negative consequences of their discovery.
I’d love to find the new LSD. Not a drug, per se, but the thing that WILL expand our consciousness so we can see the world in a different way. Perhaps hanging upside down?
Mexico. Huautla de Jiminez. I’ve been there. The Mazatec remember, and still tell stories. It’s not a place you want to mess around. Unlike many other parts of Mexico, the Mazatec people can be aloof and standoffish. And on occasion they consume a lot of cana.
The Mazatec “remember, and still tell stories” of the time when you were there? You must’ve really rocked the house on that visit, Dave!
@ Jay seriously mate, check out this post if it gets past the spam killer http://www.adaringadventure.com/blog/wordpress/reviews-previews/drugs-theyre-not-big-and-theyre-not-clever/if you can.
I was deep in the clubbing scene for the best part of a decade and don’t know anybody that didn’t come out pretty much unscathed. Of about 15 or 20 close(ish) friends not one moved onto hard drugs such as crack or heroin
NOT that I am recommending taking drugs whatsoever, in fact just the opposite, but their danger to mankind pales compared to things like smoking, alcohol, poverty, hunger, homelessness, war etc imho.
@ Lisis – BRILLIANT metaphor with your son, I wish I had thought of that, because that is exactly what they were doing. Excellent review too.
I second your endorsement, this is a fascinating book, very well written, superbly reserached and just plain funny in places.
Thanks, Tim! I’m glad you included your review here (and that it survived the spam filter) because that was a great angle to add to this conversation. Anyone who lived through those days has their own version of what went down… which, at this point, completely fascinates me.
I’m a total sponge right now, soaking it all up.
Oops sorry Lisis, that link ran into the ‘if’and diverts to a completely different post.
Oh no I’m now spamming your blog!!
http://www.adaringadventure.com/blog/wordpress/reviews-previews/drugs-theyre-not-big-and-theyre-not-clever/
How appropriate… considering Tim Leary’s IF-IF movement (International Federation for Inner Freedom).
Lisis,
Thanks for sharing your reading experience with us. I love reading your reviews… secretly I’m trying to do my own book reviews. I have several books I’ve had sent to me for review (or at least I said I might if they really wanted to send me a book) but am having a hard time either taking notes for the review or enjoying the book. I need to find a balance somewhere. After so many years of school I have a tendency to make things a little more difficult then they should be. Go figure, ha!
Hey, Jared!
Here’s what I do with these things: I keep a pencil in hand so I can scribble and underline stuff. If something really strikes me as fascinating or interesting, I write it on the last page (it’s always blank). Then, when it’s time to do the review, I read through the notes and flip through the pages for a “refresher”.
When I was in school I would’ve taken the route of putting all that into a book report… characters, plot, summary, blah, blah… but you know what? People can google that crap. Now what I like to do is capture the essence of what the book did for me, how it made me feel, what new concept it lit up in my mind that wasn’t there previously. Then we can have a nice little convo all about that, or any number of quasi-related tangents.
You’ve got to put the fun back in reading (and in reading about reading!).
Hi Lisis,
As you know, I reviewed this book too and loved it. My personal favorite was Huston Smith. He was involved with the Vedanta Society which is were I was initiated and where I almost became a nun. It was so cool to read about his life and his experiences. He is just a fascinating man.
The whole book was an eye opener because I have always admired the hippie culture but never understood how drugs factored in because it seems to contradict what the movement was all about. Even Eckhart Tolle has said that the hippies were on the right path but that the drugs distored the message of love and peace.
So this book solved the mystery and goes to show you how the message gets lost when people do not know what the whole club was about.
Nadia – Happy Lotus´s last blog ..Turning Castles in the Air Into Reality
That’s EXACTLY what happened for me, Nadia. I always wondered how hippies (who seemed basically to “get” what matters most, and were spiritual, and loving, and compassionate, and all that good stuff) ended up in a drug-induced mess. There was a missing link for me all these years, and this book provided it.
The result was definitely unfortunate, and it makes me wonder what might have been possible for this “army” of loving people had they not distorted their minds with these drugs along the way. But it is what it is, and I’m thrilled to understand, finally, that it was not about partying (at first). The mission is still a great one, we just need to find a new way to make it happen.
Thanks for being here, Sweets!
Thank you so much, Lisis, for such a kind review of my book. It is heartening for me to hear that younger people (including younger people not into drugs) can get so much out of the book. You are right. In the end, it’s not about the drugs. It’s about bringing those feelings of wonder and awe and compassion and interconnectedness (no matter how it is engendered) into the rest of our lives.
Also wanted to let people know that they can learn more about my work and see other reviews of the book at the Harvard Psychedelic Club Fan Page on Facebook and on my website, http://www.donlattin.com .
Enjoy !
Hey, Don! Thanks for stopping by here. I’m so glad you enjoyed the review and that I was able to convey a bit of the essence of the book. It was one of the best things I’ve read in a good long while.
@ Jared – Do you own thing man! Some of my book reviews are all over the place because I never take notes. For me personally if I take notes I have trouble concentrating and getting into the flow.
Steve Pavlina sent me a rather unhappy e-mail when I reviewed his book because he said it wasn’t a proper book review. He had a point although I doubt he would have made it if I’d said I loved the book!
Just have fun!
Tim Brownson´s last blog ..OMG, George Michael is GAY!
What in the world is a “proper book review” in this day and age, and particularly in the ever-changing world of blogging? That’s craziness! And who is Pavlina to lecture you on “proper” anything these days? Isn’t he Mr. Unconventionality all of a sudden?
Pffft! I think you’re right… it would have been “proper” enough if you’d LOVED the book.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by TimBrownson, LisisMB. LisisMB said: The Harvard Psychedelic Club Blew My Mind!! http://su.pr/2KMke0 [...]
Those days were a fabulous time to be alive when all things seemed possible; we could end a war and LOVE could conquer the world. So many of that generation have been raising kids and leading “normal” lives, but are now just emerging transformed like Ramm Dass with a more universal, drug free perspective. I feel the excitement brewing. We have moved from the Dawning of the age of Aquarious to the Age and alot seems to center around the Mayan calendar date of 12/21/20012.
If you want to see the West Coast parallel to Leary and Albert, read Tom Wolf’s Electric Kool Aide Acid Test about Kesey and the Merry Pranksters, especially the part where they drive cross country to meet the Harvard crew (who snubbed them). Also, Castenda’s series describes that same realization well when in the 3rd book he realizes it’s not at all about the drugs.
Hey, Kip! Eeek! I’m so excited to hear some real life accounts of those times (now that I know there was a whole back story involved). I’ve been feeling the excitement brewing too, only I didn’t realize where the under-current came from. Now I do. Now I see it’s been in the works a LONG time.
OMG… I am SO going to have to read the Electric Kool Aide Acid Test now, and Castaneda, and several other books Don mentioned in this one. Time to re-learn the history I once thought I knew! I get to see the world in a whole new way now… without acid or ’shrooms!
BTW, Jeff and I are hoping to come see you play one of these days, when his work schedule corresponds nicely with one of your gigs.
Hi Lisis,
I always look forward to you featuring books. First – I can trust you to give your true opinion. Second – you do a great job and write compelling prose.
I knew it would be awesome to read your review about this book, not because you’re into drugs (thank goodness) but because you are, as you said, a “peaceful revolutionary.”
I loved this book for a more personal reason, actually. I’m not into drugs, but I have been on a mission of late to better understand what it must have been like to live through the ’60s. I was born in the autumn of 1970, so I missed the whole thing! I was born a flower child and I think it stuck!
I love how you infused hope and optimism into your post. Thanks for taking notes for us!
It was really cool, too, to read both your and Nadia’s thoughts about the book. Two amazing human beings giving thoughtful insights are a beautiful thing.
Lori´s last blog ..How to Not Blow Up Your Blog In Disgust After Six Months
Thanks, Lori! It sounds like you, Nadia and I are on a similar quest right now. If I read any other good stuff about this era, I’ll pass it on to you when I’m done.
I can’t wait to see your review about it, too… is it next week? You get to come at it from the angle of a scientist, which is kind of cool because their scientific method was so… unorthodox?… inappropriate?… flawed?… all of the above?
Anyway, from all angles this book is a great read, I think. So I’ve got my popcorn ready and I’m all set to check out your review.
Ha – yeah, that’s right. I want a time machine to take me back to 1963.
And, yes, my I’ll post about this book on Jan 26th. My post is actually about a couple different concepts around the ’60s, but my comments about the book are there, too.
You hit the nail on the head about their methods – and I definitely put my scientist hat on for my post, too. HA – Lisis, you know me too well!
Grab your popcorn, sit back, and enjoy the show.
(Thanks for being your groovy self!)
Interesting sounding book. Timothy Leary was quoted in one of my favorite surf movies Step Into Liquid saying that the highest destiny of many was to live an ascetic life, and as ironic is it sounded surfers had figured that out
. So I’m definitely going to add this to my list.
Srini, it sounds like you are well on your way to enlightenment, my friend. You just reminded me of when I was in college, in San Diego. Some of the happiest (and smartest) people I knew were pot-smoking surfers. They knew what they loved, were curious about life, and didn’t take anything too seriously. There’s a lot to be said for that.
should i be offended that no one asked me to review this book? but seriously, it’s interesting the different takes i have read…these guys fascinate me, and this book HAS to be on my reading list now…i agree with what you said about feeling you are part of this movement that started then, i believe this to be true…i was recently reading a book about the history of the occult and alternative sprituality in america, and how this exploded in the 60s and how it impacted, and is still impacting our culture and thus the world…this kind of thing ties into the various ideas about 2012 for me (although as you know, i’m just not sure it has anything to do with the actual year 2012 -more about shifts occuring in general)…thanks for covering and love the quote from your son!
Lisa (mommymystic)´s last blog ..Meditation: How Often and How Long?
Hey, Lisa! Maybe you didn’t get asked because you seem like a goody-two-shoes when compared to rascals like Lori, Nadia, Tim and myself. They didn’t think you could “handle the truth”!
Kidding, but it really IS a great read and certainly ties in nicely with the whole 2012 thing. At the very least, it should all make for some fascinating parties that year, huh?
As for my son… what can I say? The kid’s a genius!
i am laughing at the goody-two-shoes thing, do i come off that way?? because let’s just say that in college my ‘psychological constitution’ did not inhibit me much…
Lisa (mommymystic)´s last blog ..Meditation: How Often and How Long?
Ooooo… I’m telling!!!
Boy, you are just tackling controversial stuff left and right over here!
You actually pinpointed the thing I always connected to with the 60’s drug culture. (I, too, am not into drugs but I think you know what I mean here.)
Anyway, isn’t the new LSD blogging? Connecting with like minded people on crazy vast levels of awesome? Or is that just me.
Yeah… sure… I am covering the controversial subjects. Who’s been posting the crazy sex stuff lately? And then, just when you get us all worked up in a frenzy, you “bid adieu”! Girl, we’ve gotta have a talk!
Actually, Q4B IS taking on a bit more of an edge this year. I’m done tiptoeing around the elephants in the room. There are too many blogs already doing that. This here’s the place where anything is fair game to be brought out in the open so we can understand it better.
Your LSD observation is spot on. I almost included that in the post… this idea that blogging, or social media, or the internet is the new drug that expands our awareness. (Lord knows it’s addictive enough!) Whether it will turn out to be a power we use for good, or to destroy ourselves, remains to be seen. I’ve got my money on “This is it!” (Michael Jackson was prob’ly on to something, don’t you think?)
Who would have thought that a book about psychedelic drugs would leave you “with a sense of purpose and renewed optimism about the world and my role in it”. I love that about books. A great book really can make a huge impact and can change the way you look at things. Goes to show the power of the written word.
Great review Lisis. Thanks! I’m keen to read it myself now.
I know, right? When I first saw the title, I worried that I wouldn’t “get” it (because I’m such a goody-two-shoes and all… wink, wink). But I decided to give it a shot anyway because I really feel like a hippie at heart, or like I would’ve fit right in with them (until they realized I didn’t do drugs and they’d get all paranoid and kick me out of their little parties).
Best decision I ever made. I loved it (in case you couldn’t tell)!!
Hi Lisis – You mean the fifties are dead? I think there’s an unfortunate political contingent right now that would actually like to take us BACK there. But, I digress. As a child growing up in the SF Bay Area in the sixties, I couldn’t help but love your review of the book. Good times. And not just because of the drugs. I was kind of like you, a wuss. I did smoke pot (who didn’t?) but not until I was in high school. But I refused everything else because I didn’t think I’d be able to handle it. Oh no, I’ve digressed again (maybe I did smoke too much pot in younger days). My point is there was such a sense of community then, of rallying together, of hope and possibility, as Kip says. But sometimes it makes me sad. There was so much we learned back then that got shoved under the carpet in the eighties, about global warming and peak oil and poverty and education and all the rest of it. I hope we haven’t lost too much time.
Patty – Why Not Start Now?´s last blog ..The Kindness of Strangers
Ooohh… Patty, you just touched on something I noticed myself. When I got done with the book I couldn’t help feeling a little bummed because I suddenly realized all my “peaceful revolution” ideas had been thought before (and pursued in great detail). All of my “Peace, Love and Ice Cream” dreams have been dreamed before (by far greater minds) and it’s all come to THIS? How is it that all these people knew THEN what we needed to do, but it never came to pass?
I’m gonna blame it on the drugs, pick up the ball at the point where it was fumbled, and keep on running. What else can I possibly do? These are GREAT dreams and awesome ideas and wonderful goals. They sure as heck beat the alternative.
Not to get too political, but this reminds me of the JFK quote:
If by a “Liberal” they mean someone who looks ahead and not behind, someone who welcomes new ideas without rigid reactions, someone who cares about the welfare of the people — their health, their housing, their schools, their jobs, their civil rights, and their civil liberties — someone who believes we can break through the stalemate and suspicions that grip us in our policies abroad, if that is what they mean by a “Liberal,” then I’m proud to say I’m a “Liberal.”
Hey, Lisis – That JFK quote gives me goosebumps. I love it!
Great post and conversation today. I feel like it’s the first book club I have been able to join in ages!
*smooch*
Lori´s last blog ..Your Body is a Fortress, Part 8 – Go Nuts!
Always love to know about such inspiring books. Thanks for the review, will check it out at the next available opportunity.
One of the books that influenced me was Maxwell Maltz’s Psycho-Cybernetics. Maltz was successful plastic surgeon who quit his career when he realized that changing our attitudes towards ourselves is far more important than changing our appearance.
Prashant @ Free Inspirational Stories´s last blog ..How To Deal With Anger – 4 Tips, Free Anger Management Help
Hi, Prashant! Thanks for sharing your recommendation. That book sounds like something that would be right up my alley. I’ll be sure to add it to my wish list!
“Have YOU read anything lately that changed the way you view the world?”
I have. It is Neale Donald Walsch’s Book “Conversations With God”. It comes as a trilogy…Book 1, Book 2 and Book 3
It can be a very difficult book to read…for everyone: the religious, nonreligious, agnostic, atheist and the “otherwise”. (but especially for the religious!)
In it, i confirmed some of my deepest suspicions. I didn’t agree on everything, i was not sure on many other things BUT “Conversations With God” remains THE life changing books i read in 2009. I have the suspicion that i will still be reading it a 100 years from now.
As for “The Harvard Psychedelic Club” I am hearing about it for the first time BUT a book that “blows” Lisis’s mind is one that i want to read!
Christopher´s last blog ..The Subjectivity of Authentic Identity
Hey, Christopher! I’ve heard a good bit about Conversations With God, but always assumed it was more for the religious… particularly Christians. I’m intrigued by your take on it because you’re saying it would be especially difficult for the religious. Now I’m definitely going to have to read that!
Thanks!!
Hey everybody, Long time reader, first time poster, big fan of this blog! Has helped me through the depths of depression. Anyhow, I have read this book and find it intriguing. The whole field of psychedelic research and consciousness has always been an interest of mine, the concepts involved are profound and beautiful.
Thanks for such a great blog!
Hi, Paul!
Thank you SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much for your comment! You have no idea how much it means to me to know you have been reading along and that this blog (this community) has helped you overcome some of your challenges. And depression, in particular, I can totally relate to. Any time you need someone to vent to, I’m just an email away.
Hi, Paul. Thanks for visiting Quest for Balance, and for adding your voice to our community. We appreciate your support and hope we can continue to help.
Alison | Quest for Balance´s last blog ..The Harvard Psychedelic Club Blew My Mind
I once took a great class called Literature of the ’60s. I think you would’ve enjoyed it, Lisis, and I think I might enjoy reading this book.
Alison | Quest for Balance´s last blog ..The Harvard Psychedelic Club Blew My Mind
Lisis:
I gotta say, this is one kick-ass review! I’ve read good things about this book on another blog, but your review sealed the deal for me…I need to read this! Your observation when your son was dangling upside down was awesome.
I’ve never been big into drugs for basically the same reason as you. Honestly my favorite drug of choice is easily caffeine. In any case, back in the early 90’s my buddy got me into the Grateful Dead and I went to about 10 shows…including the band’s last show. It was always interesting to see everyone try to recreate the hippie community in the parking lots. I enjoyed the sense of community at these shows and it was some of the best people watching I’ve ever experienced.
Anyhow, thanks for an awesome review…another very intriguing book to add to my list.
Tim´s last blog ..The Magic of Showing Up, Part Two
Oooh, Tim… you’re gonna love the Grateful Dead tidbits in the book (no self-respecting book about the psychedelic 60’s would be complete without them!). I don’t know but, after reading this, I felt it was my duty to mark the occasion with a pint of Ben & Jerry’s Cherry Garcia, while watching “The U.S. vs. John Lennon.”
Just doing my part for the movement, you know.
Lisis BoooOOooo!!
sounds like my kinda book. def.
i’m also a “notes in the margin” type. snap.
awwwsome observation that the LSD movement was about hanging upside down. super well put
sounds really similar to Kary Mullis’ magical “Dancing Naked in the Mind Field”
you’re making endolphins do tricks and jump-rope in my brain with all this flattery. shuxx.
thanks so much for the shoutout. latinas are the best pimps
keep it unreals
a
Hmm… Dancing Naked in the Mind Field, huh? Now that sounds like something I should’ve read a LONG time ago!
[...] at Columbia University) • New York Times (by Dwight Gardner) • Happy Lotus (by Nadia) • Quest for Balance (by Lisis [...]
Hi, Lisis! I’m stoked that you loved it so much! This has been a really fascinating tour, seeing how various people have reacted to the book.
Thanks for being on this tour! I’ll admit this isn’t a subject I’m terribly interested in, but your enthusiasm is contageous!
Hey, Trish! You’re welcome. I LOVED this book (obviously) and it was great to get to be a part of the tour. I really enjoyed the other reviews too.. so many different angles to approach this book from. It has been mind-expanding, to say the least!
[...] Quest for Balance by [...]
That is such an interesting era to read about. I will have to look into this book.
Reading the comments and your utter fascination of the book (as well as the story behind it) makes me want to get a copy. Thanks for the post.