On Drugs

A winding, ambitious rumination on what the use of psychedelics might reveal ‘about the relationship between mind and the world.’ … profound … Open-minded readers will find much to chew on.– “Publishers Weekly”A layered philosophical investigation of drugs and their complexities … Smith-Ruiu is interested in how we perceive reality and whether drugs distort that perception or, conversely, reveal to us dimensions that we do not otherwise grok … An innovative application of philosophy to matters ineffable, intoxicating, and altogether interesting.– “Kirkus Reviews”An insightful work of philosophy supported by a surprisingly powerful memoiristic arc, Justin Smith-Ruiu’s new book works better than any psychedelic could to reopen the doors of perception and cast humanity’s long-standing hunger for mind-altering experiences in a new and thrilling light.–Kristen Roupenian, author of Cat Person and Other StoriesIs the ‘psychedelic renaissance’ a flowering of human potential, a throughway to mystical experience, offering deep insights into the nature of mind and reality, or a quick fix for mental disorders? In this wide-ranging reflection, philosopher and historian of science Justin Smith-Ruiu explores these questions with his characteristic verve and erudition, enlivened with a searching account of his own journey. Anyone who wonders what to make of the shifting landscape of psychedelics will be richly rewarded by this book.–Laurence J. Kirmayer, Distinguished James McGill Professor and director of the Division of Social and Transcultural Psychiatry, McGill UniversityIt makes perfect sense to me that Justin Smith-Ruiu has written a book about being on drugs, because his intellectually psychedelic writing always makes me feel like I’m on drugs myself. So it is here. Disparate domains of mind are brought together. Strange, compelling entities appear. The world feels altered yet uncannily familiar. Something groovy happens to your brain. It all adds up to a higher lucidity that leaves you feeling permanently wiser.–William Deresiewicz, author of The End of Solitude

Justin Smith-Ruiu is a professor of history and philosophy of science at the Université Paris Cité. He is the author, most recently, of The Internet Is Not What You Think It Is. He writes regularly for Harper’s, WIRED, the New York Times, and other publications. He lives in Paris.