A Dangerous Brew

A Small Concoction for the Grown and Sexy

At one point, I considered trying ayahuasca—a hallucinogenic brew reputed to have mind-expanding and transformative effects. However, my curiosity about the brew never solidified into a strong conviction, so I ultimately decided not to pursue the experience.

Every powerful concoction contains elements that are both potent and dangerous. In a broader sense, the concept of a "secret ingredient" or transformative agent applies not only to physical substances but also to processes and systems. In fact, all processes—especially those by which we interact with the world—are a mixture of ideas, emotions, institutions, personalities, technologies, and more. Together, these elements blend to create the complex fabric of our reality.

The human experience itself is brewed from a combination of emotional responses, stagnating institutions, and now, extraordinary technological advancements. This blend of "Paleolithic emotions, medieval institutions, and god-like technology," as described by Edward O. Wilson, the father of sociobiology—a field that explains social behavior through evolution—paints a compelling picture.

Despite all we have achieved, our emotional responses remain rooted in those of our primitive, Stone Age ancestors. When faced with danger, we still instinctively resort to two options: fight or flight. While technology continues to evolve, granting us unprecedented abilities to enhance ourselves and our societies, our institutions, spirituality, and social structures seem to be regressing. We see fragmentation within religions, divisions based on skin color, and other schisms that weaken our collective potential.

Whether it's ayahuasca for personal transformation or institutions for societal reform, whatever we develop or brew must elevate us to our highest potential—our god-like status. If our technological advancements don't enhance our humanity, we risk remaining slaves to our Paleolithic instincts.