Can psychedelics make you more intelligent?
A few studies on psychedelics have produced amazing results for their potential in treating depression, PTSD, anxiety, and cluster headaches.
But what hasn't gotten the attention is the neurogenesis effects caused by substances like psilocybin(active ingredient in magic mushrooms). A study at the University Of South Florida has shown psilocybin to cause neurogenesis to take place in the hippocampal region of the brain.
So what is the hippocampus and why is neurogenesis so important.
The hippocampus belongs to the limbic system and plays important roles in the consolidation of information from short-term memory to long-term memory, and in spatial memory that enables navigation. [1]
Neurogenesis is the process of birth of neurons wherein neurons are generated from neural stem cells. Contrary to popular belief, neurogenesis continuously occurs in specific regions in the adult brain.[2]
One of the key factors in becoming more intelligent is the ability to recall what you have learned. Having a healthy hippocampus is certainly beneficial to this process.
This study has also opened the doors to other possible treatments for things like Alzheimer's and brain injuries.
In Alzheimer's disease (and other forms of dementia), the hippocampus is one of the first regions of the brain to suffer damage; short-term memory loss and disorientation are included among the early symptoms. Damage to the hippocampus can also result from oxygen starvation (hypoxia), encephalitis, or medial temporal lobe epilepsy. People with extensive, bilateral hippocampal damage may experience anterograde amnesia (the inability to form and retain new memories).[1]
One would have to have the desire to learn new things first of all.
No studies exist on psychedelics making people more curious and creating desire to learn.(that I'm aware of)
I can only tell you of my daily observations of the psychedelic community. From these observations I believe they are the most curious community I have ever encountered.
Of course one could argue that they were naturally curious before and that's what lead them to try psychedelics.
That might be true, who knows.
From my personal experience with these substances, I have gained an unquenchable thirst for knowledge.
These substances are tools and if used properly a lot can be gained. Personally I won't need to know what the study says on this subject. I have witnessed the artists canvas, the writers books, the directors movies, and I have read the philosophers writings. All were inspired by these substances.
Can they make you more intelligent?
"Can" is the appropriate word.
They "can" help you become more intelligent.
A persons intentions being the key factor.
No substance on earth can make a person intelligent if the person does not take the necessary steps.
For a better understanding of psychedelics effects on the hippocampus.
It's a new era and I'm so glad for it. Happy to be following this science!
This is cool - there's many other less well-known plants and fungi that could aid neuro-genesis - though I'd wait for serious studies and not get caught up in marketing hype.
What I worry about sometimes is whether or not taking something to make you better/smarter/etc. is actually a good thing. I don't mean that we can't or shouldn't better ourselves. But we should look at why we want to be smarter or more focused or harder working. If it's for something worthwhile, then great. But if it's so that you can more effectively screw over your fellow humans, or put up with an arsehole boss's impossible work goals, then I'd say you need to reassess your choices.
Lions mane has shown to cause neurogenesis and is not active. Psilocybin has a few other effects that seem to compliment the neurogenesis. Certainly needs to be studied more and I admit to feeding the hype a bit.
As far as why do we want to become smarter? That's a tough question as it seems to come with a cost. We have Amish communities where I live and though they lack in education, they certainly carry smiles on their bearded faces. It seems a lot of brilliant people are not the happiest and carry a heavy load on their shoulders. I think a happy life is a more valuable goal.
Dealing with reality is like drawing out your boundaries. That's why I think psychedelics can indeed make you more intelligent, because you expand the mind beyond your limits. Making you think on different levels, and grow wiser spiritually. Like they say, an expanded mind can never go back to its former shape. Imagination is a must for creativity, and I think that goes hand in hand with psychedelics aswel
Completely agree
“A sniper is like a genius - it’s not enough to be one, you have to be one at something.”
― Steve Aylett, Slaughtermatic
I like that
Nice work!! And very interesting btw :D Greetings!
Absolut Great content.. thank your
Greets Michael Rie (facebook)
Really interesting post...
I think it depends how you define "intelligence".
If you measure intelligence by IQ, I guess psychedelics don't do any effect on that.
But regarding knowledge about life and many other things... I think psychedelics can make a HUGE effect.
So many things you starting to see from new perspectives that you never seen or thought before.
I think I would just say that psychedelics can make you "smarter"!
But exactly like you said... "it CAN".
There a surely people that are not interested in learning deep shit. They take psychedelics just for party reasons. Maybe those can become more dumb then smarter after that. xD
Argreed, intentions are everything.