In perhaps his best-known book, McKenna puts forth the idea that human self-awareness and linguistic ability were catalyzed by a deep relationship with psychoactive mushrooms. He begins his discussion in Paleolithic Africa, and traces our historical involvement with mind-altering substances right up to the present day. Our obsession with manipulating our mental state, and our propensity to addict to a vast number of substances and behaviors, are, he argues, attempts to compensate for the more fulfilling involvement with plants that we once knew. In light of this interpretation, the prevailing terror of intoxication is shown to be, not merely hypocritical, but profoundly damaging to the individual and to the planet. [Bantam New Age]
