How Timothy Leary, Ram Dass, Huston Smith, and Andrew Weil Killed the Fifties and Revolutionized Spirituality in the 1960s

In the 1950s, America was a land of conformity and complacency. The war was over, the economy was booming, and the suburbs were growing. But beneath the surface, there was a growing sense of unease. Young people were starting to question the values of their parents and the society they had created.

The Harvard Psychedelic Club: How Timothy Leary, Ram Dass, Huston Smith, and Andrew Weil Killed the Fifties and Ushered in a New Age for America

by Don Lattin

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Language	:	English
File size	:	1986 KB
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Print length	:	262 pages

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Into this environment stepped a group of young intellectuals who would soon change the course of American history. Timothy Leary, Ram Dass, Huston Smith, and Andrew Weil were pioneers of the psychedelic movement, and their ideas would soon revolutionize spirituality in America.

Timothy Leary

Timothy Leary was a Harvard psychologist who first experimented with LSD in 1960. He quickly became a proponent of the drug, arguing that it could be used to expand consciousness and promote spiritual growth.

In 1966, Leary published a book called The Psychedelic Experience, which became a bestseller. The book advocated for the use of LSD as a tool for self-discovery and spiritual exploration.

Leary's ideas were controversial, but they resonated with a generation of young people who were looking for something more than the materialism and conformity of the 1950s.

Ram Dass

Ram Dass was a Harvard graduate who met Timothy Leary in 1961. He was initially skeptical of LSD, but he eventually tried it and had a profound experience.

After his experience with LSD, Ram Dass became a spiritual teacher and author. He wrote several books, including Be Here Now, which became a classic of spiritual literature.

Ram Dass's teachings emphasized the importance of compassion, love, and service to others. He believed that spirituality was not about escaping from the world, but about engaging with it in a more meaningful way.

Huston Smith

Huston Smith was a professor of religion at MIT. He was one of the first scholars to study the world's religions in a comparative way.

In 1958, Smith published a book called The Religions of Man, which became a classic textbook on the subject. The book provided a comprehensive overview of the major religions of the world, and it helped to dispel many of the stereotypes and misunderstandings that existed about them.

Smith's work helped to open up the study of religion to a wider audience. He showed that religion was not just about dogma and ritual, but about the human search for meaning and purpose.

Andrew Weil

Andrew Weil is a Harvard-trained physician who is known for his work in integrative medicine. He is a proponent of using both conventional and alternative therapies to promote health and well-being.

In 1975, Weil published a book called The Natural Mind, which advocated for the use of natural substances, such as herbs and vitamins, to improve mental health.

Weil's work helped to popularize the use of alternative therapies in the United States. He showed that these therapies could be effective in treating a variety of conditions, and he helped to dispel the stigma that was associated with them.

The Legacy of the Psychedelic Revolution

The psychedelic revolution of the 1960s had a profound impact on American society. It helped to break down the barriers between science and spirituality, and it led to a new appreciation for the world's religions.

The ideas of Timothy Leary, Ram Dass, Huston Smith, and Andrew Weil continue to inspire people today. Their work helped to create a more open and tolerant society, and it continues to challenge us to think about the nature of reality and our place in the universe.