The Uneven Origins of Eco-Consciousness in the First Psychedelic Revolution
Green Letters June 19, 2026 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.1080/14688417.2026.2690918 via OpenAlex
Summary
The essay examines the writings and experiences of key figures from the first psychedelic revolution, such as Ken Kesey and Timothy Leary, to explore their connections to nature and ecology. It investigates whether psychedelics like LSD foster a love for nature and ecological awareness. Additionally, it includes insights from nutritionist Jane Dunlap and references an incident from the film The Magic Trip, highlighting the relationship between psychedelics and environmental consciousness.
Study at a glance
| Population | key figures of the first psychedelic revolution, including Ken Kesey, Timothy Leary, and Jane Dunlap |
|---|---|
| Key finding | The investigation questions the extent to which psychedelics promote a love of nature and ecological consciousness. |
Abstract
This essay focuses on the writings and trip reports of several key figures of the first psychedelic revolution from an eco-critical perspective. Although the Earth Movement can be said to have emerged from the countercultural ethos of activists heavily influenced by the psychedelic revolution, the relationship of these earliest psychedelic advocates – such as Ken Kesey and Timothy Leary – to nature and to ecology has never been carefully examined. The larger issue of psychedelic biophilia comes into play in this investigation: to what extent is it accurate to say that LSD and other psychedelic experiences promote a love of nature and an ecological consciousness? In addition to the writings of Kesey and Leary, this essay examines the contributions and insights of Jane Dunlap (a.k.a. the well-known nutritionist Adelle Davis) and an incident from the 2011 film The Magic Trip, based on footage filmed by the Merry Pranksters in 1964.