"It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change." — Charles Darwin

New technologies reshape our world, alter our perspectives, and transform who we are. We stand at the cusp of another technological leap, one that moves with great speed and is more far-reaching than ever before. The rapid progress in AI is poised to upend the established order of our current systems, institutions, and beliefs. There is a tsunami of change coming our way. While this disruption presents an opportunity to forge a better world in the long term, it may also cause significant harm to humanity. This transition will test humanity's wisdom and adaptability.

Imagine waking up to find that machines have surpassed us in learning and performing, outpacing our careers, identities, and sense of purpose. The skills we've honed and the knowledge we've accumulated suddenly become as outdated as floppy disks in the age of cloud storage. Gazing into our children's eyes, we might not know how to prepare them for a future we can't predict. What happens when millions feel this angst simultaneously? How do we navigate this uncharted territory? How do we replace the old with something demonstrably better—an outcome far from guaranteed?

Our greatest asset throughout human history has been our ability to adapt. From harnessing fire to developing language, we have transformed ourselves and our societies in response to new challenges. One intriguing and often overlooked factor in our evolutionary journey is the role of psychedelics. Throughout human evolution, our early ancestors inevitably encountered and likely ingested psychedelic mushrooms. Recent theories suggest that psychedelic substances, such as psilocybin-containing mushrooms, may have played a crucial role in enhancing our ancestors' cognitive flexibility, social cohesion, and capacity for innovation (Rodrigues & Winkelman, 2022). By amplifying these essential human traits, psychedelics may have helped shape the socio-cognitive niche that defines our species today.

In this essay, I argue that psychedelics, much like in our evolutionary past, could serve as vital tools to enhance our adaptability in the face of advanced technologies. By fostering cognitive flexibility, emotional resilience, and social cohesion, psychedelics can help us navigate the profound disruptions we may face. First, I will present some of the challenges this transition may bring, and then explain how psychedelics can help us respond effectively. I will also cover some of the potential risks and considerations.

Treacherous Waters of Transition

As we navigate the uncharted waters of the AI era, we will confront an array of challenges that threaten to upend our societal structures and sense-making. Understanding these potential pitfalls is crucial as we prepare to face the magnitude of change ahead.

Mass Unemployment and Institutional Collapse

The rapid advancement of AI could render our current institutions, governance structures, and economic models obsolete, leading to a chaotic period of upheaval as society struggles to adapt to new realities (Susskind, 2020). Entire industries may be disrupted, resulting in unprecedented levels of unemployment and economic insecurity. The sheer speed and magnitude of disruption could overwhelm our ability to retrain workers, create new economic opportunities, or make systemic changes, leading to widespread desperation across all strata of society.

Philosophical and Psychological Crisis

We may also face an existential crisis, questioning our identity, purpose, and worth in a world where machines can outperform us (Harari, 2018). This looming crisis could lead to widespread depression, anxiety, and hopelessness, as individuals struggle with a loss of purpose and meaning. The exponential growth of AI technology that we cannot fully understand may leave us feeling out of control and helpless, triggering a collective freeze response—a state of cognitive and physiological shutdown (Porges, 2011). Prolonged exposure to such states could result in changes to the brain, establishing a vicious cycle that renders people susceptible to severe mental health problems. Studies on social contagion of mental health symptoms indicate that as mental distress spreads through social networks, it can lead to a breakdown in societal cohesion, trust, and collaboration (Hill et al., 2010).

Erosion of Social Fabric and Social Unrest

The information age has already been eroding our social skills and diminishing our collective capacity to address complex challenges (Turkle, 2015). With many groups operating in increasingly different information and social spaces, we see a rise in friction and discord. Amid the tidal wave of AI-driven transformation reshaping our world at breakneck speed, people may increasingly turn to AI companions for emotional support, intimacy, and decision-making, further exacerbating this trend. While these AI-driven interactions can provide comfort and convenience, they risk accelerating our social decline to a critical point. If we embrace artificial relationships without discernment, we may irreparably damage our capacity for human connection and collaboration.

As social cohesion frays under the strain of economic upheaval, existential anxiety, and the erosion of shared meaning, the risk of social unrest, political polarization, and violent conflict could increase dramatically. The potential for widespread civil disorder and the breakdown of democratic institutions could further destabilize an already precarious situation, creating a vicious cycle of chaos and instability.

Navigating the Uncertain Future

Although these eventualities are not certain, their likelihood is high. Time will tell if we can navigate and minimize these risks and land ourselves in a better world instead of a dystopia. This is a tall order that demands unprecedented levels of collaboration and creativity. Change is calling us. The question before us is not whether we'll change—change is inevitable. The question is whether we'll change wisely.

To navigate this uncertain future successfully, we must cultivate a state of heightened perceptiveness and agility. When the environment changes dramatically, we must change with it or risk obsolescence. The mental models, societal structures, and problem-solving approaches that have served us for millennia may suddenly find themselves inadequate. We stand at a crossroads where clinging to familiar paradigms could prove not just ineffective but potentially disastrous.

Instead, we must cultivate a state of adaptability. This means being willing to critically examine our deepest assumptions, to let go of cherished but outdated beliefs, and to embrace new ways of thinking and being. It requires us to approach our rapidly changing world with eyes wide open, ready to discard old mental constructs that no longer serve us and to forge new ones better suited to the challenges ahead. This adaptability isn't just about learning new skills or adopting new technologies. It's about fundamentally reshaping our understanding of ourselves, our society, and our place in the world.

This is no small task—and in many ways, it runs counter to our natural instincts. That’s why we need tools and catalysts to accelerate this process. I believe psychedelics can serve as one of those catalysts, opening doors to new ways of thinking and helping us navigate the chaos ahead.

Psychedelics as Social Technology

Social technologies are tools and practices that enable new forms of collaboration, communication, and social organization. In this context, psychedelics emerge as a unique social technology—substances capable of altering consciousness and fostering profound shifts in perception and behavior at both individual and collective levels.

Psychedelics have a deep-rooted connection with human evolution and sociality. Our hominin ancestors likely encountered and ingested psychedelic mushrooms throughout their evolutionary history, as evidenced by their paleoecology and dietary patterns (Rodrigues & Winkelman, 2022). The incidental inclusion of psychedelics in the diet, and their eventual addition to rituals and social practices, may have conferred selective advantages by enhancing social cohesion, creativity, and adaptability.

For example, the use of psychedelics in communal rituals may have strengthened group bonds and facilitated the transmission of cultural knowledge (Winkelman, 2010). Indigenous cultures across the globe have long used substances like psilocybin mushrooms and ayahuasca in ceremonies that promote healing, social unity, and spiritual insight (Frost, 2017). These practices suggest that psychedelics have historically played a role in shaping human consciousness and societal structures.

As we navigate the challenges of AI-driven disruption and fast-paced change, psychedelics offer potential pathways to enhance human adaptability. By revisiting these ancient tools within a modern context, we might find better solutions to the complex problems we face.

Enhancing Cognitive Flexibility and Adaptiveness

As AI rapidly reshapes our world, cognitive flexibility becomes crucial. Paradoxically, our past experiences and expertise, often considered assets, can hinder adaptation to this new landscape. Emre Soyer, in "The Myth of Experience," argues that relying too heavily on past learnings can lead to cognitive rigidity, impeding our ability to navigate novel challenges (Soyer & Hogarth, 2020). 

Psychedelics show promise in enhancing cognitive flexibility, potentially helping to overcome these experiential barriers. The "REBUS" model (Relaxed Beliefs Under Psychedelics) proposes that psychedelics can disrupt rigid belief systems and allow for the emergence of new, more flexible mental models (Carhart-Harris & Friston, 2019). Substances like psilocybin and LSD primarily target the serotonin 2A receptor subtype, stimulating an active coping strategy response that provides an enhanced capacity for adaptive changes through a flexible and associative mode of cognition (Carhart-Harris & Nutt, 2017; Vollenweider & Preller, 2020). Research indicates that psychedelics increase synaptic plasticity and entropy, leading to a functionally more connected brain during the psychedelic state (Petri et al., 2014; Carhart-Harris et al., 2014).

Kuypers et al. (2016) found that a single dose of ayahuasca increased divergent thinking by 40%, suggesting a capacity to break free from entrenched thought patterns. Recent studies by Zhao et al. (2023) and Ahmed et al. (2023) reveal the neurological basis for these effects: psychedelics enhance neuroplasticity, facilitating adaptation to novel situations. 

These findings suggest that psychedelics can induce profound shifts in perspective and worldview, catalyzing paradigm shifts. By temporarily relaxing the brain's priors, psychedelics enable a heightened state of learning and unlearning, crucial for adapting to rapidly changing environments.

Promoting Psychological Wellbeing and Resilience

From an evolutionary standpoint, it’s been suggested that psychedelics have been harnessed by early humans to manage psychological distress and health problems (Rodrigues & Winkelman, 2022). By stimulating the serotonin system and promoting active coping strategies, psychedelics could have provided a means to alleviate stress and enhance well-being in challenging environments (Brouwer & Carhart-Harris, 2021). 

Psychedelics have been shown to produce significant and lasting improvements in depression and anxiety symptoms (Carhart-Harris et al., 2021; Davis et al., 2021). Mertens et al. (2020) observed increased emotional regulation capacity following psilocybin use. As AI advances threaten to destabilize job markets and provoke existential crises, psychological resilience will be crucial. Psychedelics could help individuals manage the anxiety and depression associated with these rapid changes, reducing the likelihood of a widespread mental health crisis.

Facilitating Connectedness and Collaboration

From an anthropological perspective, the integration of psychedelics into ancient communal practices may have enhanced hominin responses to their environment while also aiding in the creation of social structures (Rodrigues & Winkelman, 2022). Many indigenous cultures have long used psychedelics in group settings to strengthen community bonds (Frost, 2017; Winkelman, 2010). In these ceremonies, participants often report a profound sense of unity, not just with each other but with the very essence of life itself. Modern research supports these observations, revealing that psychedelic experiences can dramatically enhance feelings of connectedness and empathy (Carhart-Harris et al., 2018; Forstmann et al., 2020).

In a world where AI threatens to isolate us behind screens and algorithms, psychedelics offer a way to reforge our human bonds. Psilocybin has been shown to modulate social cognition, increasing empathy and reducing the processing of negative emotional stimuli, which facilitates social approach behaviors (Preller & Vollenweider, 2019; Gabay et al., 2018). By strengthening social bonds and promoting cooperation, psychedelics could play a vital role in addressing the erosion of the social fabric we face today.

The true power of psychedelics may not lie in individual enlightenment but in collective transformation. Griffiths et al. (2011) discovered that the awe and unity experienced during psychedelic journeys often translated into increased altruism and community-oriented behavior. By fostering a sense of interconnectedness, psychedelics could enhance our ability to collaborate on solving the complex problems we face.

Enhancing Group Decision-Making and Leadership

In early human societies, decision-making often involved collective rituals and divination practices where psychedelics played a crucial role (Rodrigues & Winkelman, 2022; Boyer, 2020). Shamans and leaders used psychedelics to gain insights and make important decisions for the community. These practices enhanced cognitive flexibility and creativity, allowing for innovative solutions to problems.

Psychedelics can afford genuine epistemic benefits, offering new perspectives and enhancing problem-solving abilities (Letheby, 2019). By facilitating a hyper-associative mode of thinking, psychedelics augment semantic activation and access to novel mental representations, spurring unconventional associations and conceptual links (Girn et al., 2020; Mason et al., 2021). Such cognitive enhancements could be invaluable in navigating complex challenges.

Moreover, psychedelics can promote non-authoritarian leadership styles based on knowledge, empathy, and social unification (Garfield et al., 2020). By fostering emotional intelligence and reducing aggression, psychedelics could help cultivate leaders who are better equipped to guide communities through periods of transformation.

Providing a Spiritual Container

By providing a space for individuals to grapple with existential questions and connect with something greater than themselves, psychedelics could help imbue our lives with a renewed sense of meaning and purpose in the face of radical change. Griffiths et al. (2018) found that psilocybin-occasioned mystical-type experiences were associated with increases in personal meaning and spiritual significance, effects that persisted long after the immediate experience.

The spiritual dimensions of psychedelic experiences, characterized by feelings of awe and reverence, could serve as a powerful counterbalance to the potentially dehumanizing effects of advanced technologies. Hartogsohn (2018) argues that psychedelics can serve as a "technology of the sacred," helping to re-enchant the world in the face of technological rationalization. By fostering a deeper appreciation for the mysteries of consciousness and the ineffable qualities of the human experience, psychedelics could help ensure that our approach to technological development remains grounded in a sense of spiritual humility and reverence for life.

Potential Issues and Considerations

While the potential benefits of psychedelics as a social technology are significant, several important challenges must be addressed to ensure their responsible and constructive integration into society. 

Public and Establishment Backlash

Psychedelics as tools for societal adaptation may face resistance from the public, established institutions, and power structures. Historically, psychedelics have been stigmatized due to associations with countercultural movements and concerns over misuse (Rodrigues & Winkelman, 2022). This stigma can hinder research, funding, and policy reforms necessary for integrating psychedelics responsibly. 

A consequence of that era was the backlash from the government as a political response to the counterculture and anti-war movement it facilitated.  This led to the banning of psychedelics by classifying them as Schedule 1 drugs; i.e. "High abuse potential with no accepted medical use; medications within this schedule may not be prescribed, dispensed, or administered", making psychedelics inaccessible. 

However, in our current environment, things are different. The counterculture of the 1960s threatened the status quo largely through cultural and political rebellion. Today, it's AI and other advanced technologies are threats to the established order. Governments and institutions will be forced to manage this disruptive transition. In this context, there is an opportunity to reframe psychedelics as tools for navigating this upheaval—potential allies in managing societal disruption, rather than cause of the disruption.

Physiological and Psychological Safety

Contemporary research indicates that, under appropriate conditions, the medical risks associated with psychedelics are often minimal. A comprehensive review by Schlag et al. (2022) found that many persistent negative perceptions of psychological risks are unsupported by current scientific evidence. The majority of reported adverse effects were not observed in controlled settings, suggesting that risks are significantly reduced when proper protocols are followed. Similarly, Aday et al. (2020) concluded that when appropriate safeguards are in place, adverse reactions are minimal. These safeguards include thorough participant screening, controlled dosing, professional supervision, and integration support.

The stigmatization of psychedelics since the 1960s has significantly influenced public perception, often overshadowing recent scientific advancements that highlight their potential benefits and safety under controlled conditions. Despite progress made in the last decade, many still hold onto outdated views of psychedelics as dangerous substances. To mitigate this, it is crucial to fund and highlight research on the safety profile of psychedelics and promote safeguards for their use.

Abuse, Manipulation, and Increased Suggestibility

One significant concern is the potential for abuse and manipulation due to the increased suggestibility that can accompany psychedelic experiences. Psychedelics have been shown to heighten openness and suggestibility, which, while beneficial in therapeutic settings, can make individuals more vulnerable to undue influence (Carhart-Harris et al., 2015). This heightened suggestibility raises the risk of manipulation by unscrupulous individuals or groups, potentially leading to psychological harm or exploitation.

The combination of profound experiences and increased suggestibility could contribute to the formation of high-control groups or cults that exploit individuals seeking healing or community. Michelle Anne Hobart (2021) discusses how high-control group dynamics can manifest in psychedelic contexts, leading to abuse, manipulation, and loss of personal agency. Such groups may employ tactics outlined in the BITE model (Behavior, Information, Thought, and Emotional control) to manipulate members (Hassan, 2015). Throughout history, there have been instances where charismatic leaders have used altered states of consciousness to exert control over followers. Without proper safeguards, the resurgence of psychedelic use could inadvertently facilitate similar dynamics.

To mitigate the risks, it is crucial to establish ethical guidelines, provide education and training for practitioners, implement oversight, and promote transparency. Ethical standards must be enforced to ensure informed consent and protect users, while comprehensive training helps prevent exploitative practices. Regulatory frameworks should oversee both clinical and communal use, and open dialogue within communities can foster accountability and safety.

Individualistic Pigeonholeing

There is a risk that psychedelics will be pigeonholed into narrow roles, such as solely for individual therapy and growth, which could limit their broader social potential. Such individualistic framing overlooks the communal and societal benefits that psychedelics can offer.

To avoid this, we need to cultivate a cultural narrative that emphasizes the collective potential of psychedelics. Highlighting their historical use in communal rituals and their capacity to enhance social connectedness and collaboration can broaden public perception. Encouraging group-based applications, such as community rituals or collaborative creativity sessions, can showcase their societal value.

Lack of Scalable Models and Research Gaps

Existing models for psychedelic use, such as Indigenous healing ceremonies or clinical therapy, may not be scalable or fully appropriate for addressing the widespread societal adaptation needed in the face of the AI era. Developing new frameworks that can be scaled responsibly is essential. This involves interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers, clinicians, anthropologists, community leaders, and policymakers. 

Conclusion

As we stand at the threshold of a new era defined by rapid technological advancement, we face an unprecedented opportunity to evolve—not just technologically, but also spiritually and socially. Psychedelics, substances intertwined with human history and cultural evolution, offer potent tools to enhance our adaptability, deepen our connections, and rekindle a sense of meaning. Thoughtfully and responsibly integrated, these ancient allies could help us navigate the complexities of the transition ahead, emerging as a wiser, more compassionate, and united humanity.

Moving Forward: Collaborative Efforts and Framework Development

To harness the potential of psychedelics responsibly, we must focus on developing safe and effective frameworks for their use. Existing models provide valuable insights. Clinical therapy settings offer controlled environments prioritizing safety and professionalism, while indigenous ceremonial practices highlight the importance of community and spirituality. By synthesizing these approaches, we can create hybrid models that leverage tradition while embracing scientific rigor (Dupuis, 2021). 

Continued clinical research is essential to understand optimal dosing, administration protocols, and long-term effects. Establishing training and programs for facilitators can ensure that individuals receive proper guidance, minimizing the risks of misuse. Legal frameworks should evolve to allow regulated use under specific conditions, learning from jurisdictions that have begun to decriminalize or medicalize psychedelics.

Addressing Skepticism and Promoting Ethical Integration

Overcoming public and institutional skepticism is crucial. This can be achieved by emphasizing evidence-based approaches focusing on safety, structure, and differentiation from past unregulated use. Engaging respected institutions, thought leaders, and public figures can build credibility, helping to reframe psychedelics as valuable tools for societal well-being rather than as illicit substances.

Recent decriminalization efforts signal a societal shift in attitudes toward psychedelics. Advocacy for thoughtful legislation can facilitate the creation of robust regulatory frameworks that ensure safe, supervised use in both therapeutic and communal settings. Such frameworks can mitigate risks while highlighting the role of psychedelics in fostering resilience and adaptability in the face of societal challenges.

A Collective Call to Action

The challenges we face are formidable but also present an opportunity for profound transformation. I invite researchers, clinicians, policymakers, community leaders, and all interested to engage in this essential dialogue. Together, we can explore and shape how the transformative potential of psychedelics can be harnessed to meet the unprecedented challenges of our time, all while ensuring ethical integrity and the well-being of individuals and communities.

May we embrace boldness, cultivate curiosity, and practice compassion as we collaboratively shape the future of humanity.

With hope and determination,

Banu Kellner

References

Aday, J. S., Mitzkovitz, C. A., Bloesch, E. K., Davoli, C. C., & Davis, A. K. (2020). Long-term effects of psychedelic drugs: A systematic review. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 113, 179–189.

Boyer, P. (2020). Why divination? Evolved psychology and strategic interaction in the production of truth. Current Anthropology, 61(2), 100–123.

Brouwer, A., & Carhart-Harris, R. L. (2021). Pivotal mental states. Psychological Medicine, 51(14), 2422–2430.

Carhart-Harris, R. L., & Friston, K. J. (2019). REBUS and the anarchic brain: Toward a unified model of the brain action of psychedelics. Pharmacological Reviews, 71(3), 316–344.

Carhart-Harris, R. L., Giribaldi, B., Watts, R., Baker-Jones, M., Murphy-Beiner, A., Murphy, R., ... & Nutt, D. J. (2021). Trial of psilocybin versus escitalopram for depression. New England Journal of Medicine, 384(15), 1402–1411.

Carhart-Harris, R. L., Kaelen, M., Whalley, M. G., Bolstridge, M., Feilding, A., & Nutt, D. J. (2015). LSD enhances suggestibility in healthy volunteers. Psychopharmacology, 232(4), 785–794.

Carhart-Harris, R. L., Leech, R., Hellyer, P. J., Shanahan, M., Feilding, A., Tagliazucchi, E., ... & Nutt, D. (2014). The entropic brain: A theory of conscious states informed by neuroimaging research with psychedelic drugs. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 8, 20.

Carhart-Harris, R. L., & Nutt, D. J. (2017). Serotonin and brain function: A tale of two receptors. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 31(9), 1091–1120.

Carhart-Harris, R. L., Roseman, L., Haijen, E., Erritzoe, D., Watts, R., Branchi, I., & Kaelen, M. (2018). Psychedelics and the essential importance of context. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 32(7), 725–731.

Davis, A. K., Barrett, F. S., May, D. G., Cosimano, M. P., Sepeda, N. D., Johnson, M. W., & Griffiths, R. R. (2021). Effects of psilocybin-assisted therapy on major depressive disorder: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA Psychiatry, 78(5), 481–489.

Dupuis, D. (2021). The socialization of hallucinations: Cultural priors, social interactions, and contextual factors in the use of psychedelics. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 620872.

Forstmann, M., Yudkin, D. A., Prosser, A. M., Heller, S. M., & Crockett, M. J. (2020). Transformative experience and social connectedness mediate the mood-enhancing effects of psychedelic use in naturalistic settings. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 117(5), 2338–2346.

Frost, N. (2013). Psychedelic Mysticism: Transforming Consciousness, Religious Experiences, and Voluntary Peasants in Contemporary America. [Doctoral dissertation, Rice University].

Gabay, A. S., Carhart-Harris, R. L., Mazibuko, N., Kempton, M. J., Morrison, P. D., Nutt, D. J., & Mehta, M. A. (2018). Psilocybin and MDMA reduce costly punishment in the Ultimatum Game. Scientific Reports, 8, 8236.

Garfield, Z. H., Hubbard, R. L., & Hagen, E. H. (2019). Evolutionary models of leadership: Tests and synthesis. Human Nature, 30(1), 23–58.

Girn, M., Mills, C., Roseman, L., Carhart-Harris, R. L., & Christoff, K. (2020). Updating the dynamic framework of thought: Creativity and psychedelics. NeuroImage, 213, 116726.

Griffiths, R. R., Johnson, M. W., Richards, W. A., Richards, B. D., McCann, U., & Jesse, R. (2011). Psilocybin occasioned mystical-type experiences: Immediate and persisting dose-related effects. Psychopharmacology, 218(4), 649–665.

Griffiths, R. R., Johnson, M. W., Richards, W. A., Richards, B. D., Jesse, R., MacLean, K. A., ... & Klinedinst, M. A. (2018). Psilocybin-occasioned mystical-type experience in combination with meditation and other spiritual practices produces enduring positive changes in psychological functioning and in trait measures of prosocial attitudes and behaviors. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 32(1), 49–69.

Harari, Y. N. (2018). 21 Lessons for the 21st Century. Spiegel & Grau.

Hartogsohn, I. (2016). Set and setting, psychedelics and the placebo response: An extra-pharmacological perspective on psychopharmacology. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 30(12), 1259–1267.

Hassan, S. (2015). Combating Cult Mind Control. Freedom of Mind Press.

Hill, A. L., Rand, D. G., Nowak, M. A., & Christakis, N. A. (2010). Emotions as infectious diseases in a large social network: The SISa model. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 277(1701), 3827–3835.

Hobart, M. A. (2021). Psychedelic guide abuse: High-control group dynamics and complicity in the perpetuation of harm. Psychedelics Today. Retrieved from https://psychedelicstoday.com/2021/02/04/psychedelic-guide-abuse-high-control-group-dynamics-and-complicity-in-the-perpetuation-of-harm/

Kuypers, K. P., Riba, J., de la Fuente Revenga, M., Barker, S., Theunissen, E. L., & Ramaekers, J. G. (2016). Ayahuasca enhances creative divergent thinking while decreasing conventional convergent thinking. Psychopharmacology, 233(18), 3395–3403.

Letheby, C. (2017). Naturalizing psychedelic spirituality. Zygon®, 52(3), 623–642.

Mason, N. L., Kuypers, K. P., Müller, F., Reckweg, J. T., Tse, D. H., Toennes, S. W., ... & Ramaekers, J. G. (2020). Me, myself, bye: Regional alterations in glutamate and the experience of ego dissolution with psilocybin. Neuropsychopharmacology, 45(12), 2003–2011.

Mertens, L. J., Wall, M. B., Roseman, L., Demetriou, L., Nutt, D. J., & Carhart-Harris, R. L. (2020). Therapeutic mechanisms of psilocybin: Changes in amygdala and prefrontal functional connectivity during emotional processing after psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 34(2), 167–180.

Petri, G., Expert, P., Turkheimer, F., Carhart-Harris, R., Nutt, D., Hellyer, P. J., & Vaccarino, F. (2014). Homological scaffolds of brain functional networks. Journal of the Royal Society Interface, 11(101), 20140873.

Porges, S. W. (2011). The Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological Foundations of Emotions, Attachment, Communication, and Self-regulation. W. W. Norton & Company.

Preller, K. H., & Vollenweider, F. X. (2019). Phenomenology, structure, and dynamic of psychedelic states. In Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences (Vol. 36, pp. 221–256). Springer.

Rodrigues, J., & Winkelman, M. (2022). Psychedelics, sociality, and human evolution. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 729425.

Schlag, A. K., Aday, J., Salam, I., Neill, J. C., & Nutt, D. J. (2022). Adverse effects of psychedelics: From anecdotes and misinformation to systematic science. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 36(3), 258–272.

Soyer, E., & Hogarth, R. M. (2020). The Myth of Experience: Why We Learn the Wrong Lessons, and Ways to Correct Them. PublicAffairs.

Susskind, D. (2020). A World Without Work: Technology, Automation, and How We Should Respond. Metropolitan Books.

Turkle, S. (2015). Reclaiming Conversation: The Power of Talk in a Digital Age. Penguin Press.

Vollenweider, F. X., & Preller, K. H. (2020). Psychedelic drugs: Neurobiology and potential for treatment of psychiatric disorders. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 21(11), 611–624.

Winkelman, M. (2010). Shamanism: A Biopsychosocial Paradigm of Consciousness and Healing. ABC-CLIO.