Skinner, Maslow, and Psilocybin
Journal of Humanistic Psychology July 1, 1993 DOI: 10.1177/00221678930333005 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA graduate student's ingestion of psilocybin (magic mushrooms) produced an altered state of consciousness, which he later reported to psychologists Fred Skinner and Abraham Maslow 30 years ago, noting their reactions. The author suggests that familiarity with hallucinogens can improve communication with terminally ill people and that these substances may help realize visionary potential.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Personal account Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Intervention | Psilocybin |
| Topics | Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Psychology Consciousness Magic telescope Psychoanalysis |
| Citations | 3 |
| Key finding | Familiarity with hallucinogens may facilitate communication with terminally ill individuals and serve as tools for actualizing visionary potential. |
Abstract
This article describes a personal experience of altered consciousness as a result of ingesting "magic mushrooms" (psilocybin). It also briefly notes the reactions of Fred Skinner and Abraham Maslow to a report to them of this experience made by the author when he was a graduate student 30 years ago. Familiarity with the effects of hallucinogens may facilitate communication with terminally ill individuals, and such substances may serve as efficacious tools for actualizing visionary potential.