Darwin's pharmacy
sex, plants, and the evolution of the noosphere
Richard Doyle
358 pages | ~10 hrs
Darwin's pharmacy
sex, plants, and the evolution of the noosphere
By Richard Doyle
Richard Doyle presents a provocative exploration of humanity's ancient relationship with psychedelic plants and their role in our evolutionary journey. Drawing connections between Darwin's theory of sexual selection and the transformative power of plant medicines, this groundbreaking work suggests that psychoactive substances may serve as "eloquence adjuncts" that enhance human discourse and consciousness.
The author weaves together evolutionary biology, environmental philosophy, and consciousness studies to examine how psychedelic experiences connect us to what scientist V.I. Vernadsky called the noosphere—the thinking layer of Earth where consciousness interacts with the biosphere. Doyle argues that these plant allies offer pathways to ecological awareness and integration, forming the foundation of what he terms "ecodelic" environmental thinking.
Through encounters with the ideas of visionaries like William Burroughs, Timothy Leary, Aldous Huxley, and the McKenna brothers, readers journey through territories where science meets spirituality. The book challenges current drug policies while revealing how plant-based psychedelics might serve as tools for addressing our ecological crisis.
Combining rigorous scholarship with personal insight, Doyle invites readers to reconsider the relationship between human consciousness, natural intelligence, and planetary healing. This work offers fresh perspectives on evolution, awareness, and our interconnected existence within Earth's living systems, making it essential reading for those seeking to understand consciousness through an ecological lens.
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Sexual selection in animals
- ✓ Explore Hallucinogenic drugs
- ✓ Explore Gaia hypothesis
- ✓ Explore Psychic aspects
- ✓ Explore Biological Phenomena
- ✓ Explore timeless philosophical wisdom
- ✓ Explore SCIENCE / Life Sciences / Evolution
- ✓ Explore Evolution
Topics
Details
- Published
- 2011
- Publisher
- University of Washington Press
- ISBN-13
- 9780295990941
- ISBN-10
- 0295990945
- Pages
- 358
- Language
- EN
