A paradigm shifting experience

Would you consider the audio edition of Food of the Gods to be better than the print version?

This was my first time using an audio edition for non-fiction. I cannot say that it is better than the print version, because I'm one who likes to go back over pithy contents again and again, and that's a bit tough to do with an audio recording. I did learn how to use the bookmarks to mark the places I wanted to return to, but it's still not as easy as marking a print copy and thumbing back to it. I love audio for fiction, but this book introduced a lot of new concepts to me, so it was slow going. Early on I reduced the rate of play to 50%, which had the curious effect of sounding like McKenna himself reading it. Which tells me a lot about McKenna and the effects of his personal explorations: he knew a slower, unhurried and less stressful existence, one that plants themselves might teach.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Food of the Gods?

McKenna's statement that, "If the ego is not regularly and repeatedly dissolved in the unbounded hyperspace of the Transcendent Other, there will always be slow drift away from the sense of self as part of nature's larger whole. The ultimate consequence of this is the fatal ennui that now permeates Western civilization."

Which scene was your favorite?

There aren't exactly "scenes" in a non-fiction book, but McKenna does begin some chapters with vignettes of daily life in the tribes he is exploring. Each one builds on the last and provides new eye-opening information.

If you could give Food of the Gods a new subtitle, what would it be?

Brilliant, paradigm-shifting, research and reflection on a very important subject.

Any additional comments?

The best part of audio books is that I can use them when exercising, driving, etc. but I will likely purchase the print or Kindle version of the book as well.

52 people found this helpful

Psychedelic Manifesto

Interesting theories. A lot of heady anthropology and background mixed with a new vision for cultural use of psychoactive plants and substances.

The narrator talks quickly. This made digesting some of the new (to me) vocabulary and names of indigenous people groups difficult.

24 people found this helpful

This book should be in schools

Where does Food of the Gods rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Very High, amazing book!!! great perspective!

What did you like best about this story?

you will find here stuff not many people are talking about, this not drug propaganda but a serious reflection of our society and the drugs it prefers and condemn.

Have you listened to any of Jeffrey Kafer’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

no

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

the fact sugar and coffee have a full chapter in the history of human compassion of drugs, made me really rethink the whole thing.

Any additional comments?

most read!

19 people found this helpful

Very informative.

Wish he was still here to write volume 2. Would have been nice if there was a version of him reading the book.

28 people found this helpful

A must read

Phenomenal depiction of the history of plant usage and the exploration of one's self. The undeniable relationship with nature is one to be shared with the world.

13 people found this helpful

Excellent

This is by far the most profound book on psychedelics that I have ever come across. Worthy of your time and money.

12 people found this helpful

Required reading for every human

This opened my eyes to the possibilities of a world more beautiful than I had thought possible. As a cynical war veteran it validate some of my suspicions about the real reasons behind our drug war, but the beautiful potential so far outweighs anything negative or cynical it is heartbreaking. Heartbreaking to read this knowing a mind as beautiful as McKenna's, so full of wisdom and hope for our species, is buried under our childish understanding of "drugs". This book could save our society. All you need to do is read it.

24 people found this helpful

Food for Thought

Would you listen to Food of the Gods again? Why?

Yes i will. there is so much T.M. has to say.

Any additional comments?

This story has a buffet of things to chew on a digest. I love getting lost in the mind of T.M. If you have an open mind ,this is a great book for you. I do wish T.M. could have narrated the book himself.

11 people found this helpful

I have to re-listen

Where does Food of the Gods rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I really enjoyed it, but I must read/listen to it again to get the most of all the historical data contained within.

Any additional comments?

buy it

8 people found this helpful

wow, grab your waders before listening

This book contains some really valuable golden nuggets about the benefits and realities of hallucinogens and other drugs. The author is obviously knowledgeable in this area. But there is just way too much BS surrounding these bits of useful information. Things like evolution, gun control, overpopulation, global warming, dominator culture, partnership societies, government control over pharmaceuticals and the implied mandate that everyone should be subject to government mind control through drugs (although only in an idealistic utopian society), and on and on and on, fly directly counter to actual social and scientific evidence to the contrary, and a century of proof that such ideas result in tyranny and genocide. It is unfortunate that the author depends so heavily on extensive and seemingly boundless speculation, and the false assumptions of the drug-induced counter-culture, because he does have some otherwise great advice and insights, like making all plants unregulated... if you are willing to waste a lot of time to find a few gold nuggets, be sure to put on your waders first; the river of nonsense that holds those nuggets is deep and wide.

6 people found this helpful