I read a thread on this topic, and felt it should be elaborated on and in this forum. It is not as simple as the previous poster conveyed it.
I tend to view things from a very Jungian stance. I still find great truths in Maslow's humanism and Skinner's behaviorism, but the Jungian stance is of much greater beauty and seems more appropriate to the topic at hand.
First, it must be stated that compromise and solution can only be found after thorough and complete analysis of both sides. I am by no means attempting a complete analysis, but simply starting ideas for a group discussion.
There are many aspects in this issue to acknowledge- I will propose a few but welcome any others found. I will start will an obvious: Legalization and mass use.
Legalizing psychedelics inevitably presents many problems. They are currently controlled substances in many countries, and in order to legalize it is necessary for the majority to agree they should be used openly. Problem is, many people have a hard time seeing it as a good idea. Not only do religious fanatics tend to see drugs as a "tool of the devil", but that kind of awareness is far from actualization. Not to mention, some people will lose their minds (if they haven't already) when using psychedelics. It does pose a heavily debated threat to mental health. Psychical effects, and the irresponsibility of man ill-fated users has led to a general consensus that they are detrimental substances. Education and enlightenment on a massive scale is needed to produce an awareness favorable to legalization purposes. I invite you all to propose ways this can be accomplished.
Another question to ponder when thinking about a world-wide society of mushroom/psychedelic use, is how will society maintain? Mushrooms and psychedelics greatly impair the ability of precise motor function and perception. Though perception is enhanced from a philosophical and appreciative view, it will inevitably cause problems performing everyday tasks, maintenance, and functions. How are to drive? How can people do their jobs? What will become of already narrow minded politicians when they indulge in The Ones that Stain Blue?
This is where it gets interesting. Yes there are many ways we can create a self sustaining society. Technology has developed to incredible application. My own personal view (much more of a nice thought) would be using technology to created a self sustaining, self maintaining ecosystem and society. We can make machines that do it all for us- farming, food production, waste elimination, environmental keeping, cleaning, information collection and processing, etc.. It could be nice. We sit around all day finding ourselves and the secrets of life while embracing the effects of psilocybin.
Here is where a paradox enters. If the world is no longer maintained by humans, and machines do all, then what is the purpose of human and philosophical discovery? There is none. We would all be indolently tripping mushrooms all day with no purpose. The very fact that humans are responsible to maintain and succeed is what makes the idea of spiritual and psychological discovery vital. We aim to find ourselves in order to better society. However, if society was all tripping and we relied on machines to do our everyday tasks, that very discovery is obsolete and utterly useless. I know there are other ways to maintain other than machines taking care of the world, but it seems like a plausible outcome as we are constantly using machines to make our lives easier and constant tripping will makes us lazy.
Instead, to embrace the discovery brought on by the use of psilocybin, a much more logical idea is a smaller element of society using mushrooms to benefit society. A society of well educated intellectuals working with other equal individuals who do not trip, in order that the sober of the group can use the ideas of all to pursue development. This can prove effective, but probability of such event ever happening is slim with the ideas of most modern leaders.
It is equally important to acknowledge that psychedelics are not for everyone. It is recommended that psilocybin is used only by those sound of mind. The psyche and mentality of the worlds entire population is largely diverse and therefore not everyone is meant to take mushrooms. Then there are those of sound mind who take psychedelics with no useful purpose. Many people take drugs to escape reality or just to get high. Sadly, it is in fact these individuals that have lead to these substances being prohibited. Education and regulation are necessary for this very reason. However, I do not feel the modern regulation is status quo. Mushrooms should be made available to select individuals who use them for the right reasons.
My final proposition at this time is more spiritualistic. If mushrooms are legalized and made available to everyone, wouldn't you presume that mushrooms will lose the sacred element they already bestow? It is undeniable that mushrooms are very spiritual. I for one feel it is essential to keep them spiritual. Without that element they have no greater use in discovery.
I know i am excluding many arguments and points. I purposely did this to encourage other users to post their ideas. I ask that you do so in an intelligent and educated way. I want this to be a community topic, so after adding your thoughts encourage others to do the same. This very collaboration and discourse is what enable our discovery and actualization. It is for these reasons we use mushrooms. Every opinion is equally important and unique. Express it and embrace it.
-------------------- The messages and posts submitted by this user are purely hypothetical and intended for educational/entertainment purposes only. The above user does not advocate any illegal activities or substances. However, the user feels that proper education and awareness is needed in all aspects of life. This user is open to intelligent discourse and any variety of topics, but only for educational/research purposes and to expand the awareness of others. Freedom is a beautiful thing, but can only be obtained through elevated awareness. Simply put, free thy mind and thy ass shall surely follow.
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people are still needed to maintain/build/program/monitor robots and machinery. Machinery is only good for repetitive automation, not for interaction or development.
psychedelics open the mind for subjective interpretation by the individual. there should be no set standards that one should follow on the interpretations of their thoughts. What one should do, is learn about the many philosophical and spiritual ideals and interpret them for themselves. this way an individual philosophy can be developed, and I think this is key.
we should not be allowed to pick and choose who psychedelics are for, that should be left to the individual. yes there should be regulations on it, such as no trippin and driving, no trippin at work, etc. But, if one chose to use them in their personal time that should be left as an option for everybody
Psychology would only cause confusion, it is a science that is objective in nature, just like any other science. The individual psyche can not be treated in mass. But society seems to want it that way/
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