LSD inventor invited Jobs to share psychedelic experience
The world’s a beautiful place and even more so when you’re properly tuned to experience it. Given that Apple’s CEO has been quoted as saying that taking LSD was “one of the two or three most important things I have done in my life,” it should come as little surprise that the drug’s inventor and lifelong proponent, Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann, has asked Steve Jobs to describe how the psychedelic was helpful to him.
We know of the letter thanks to an article in the Huffington Post and without the hundreds of words of preamble they include, here’s exactly what Mr. Hofmann wrote to Mr. Jobs:
Dear Mr. Steve Jobs,
Hello from Albert Hofmann. I understand from media accounts that you feel LSD helped you creatively in your development of Apple computers and your personal spiritual quest. I’m interested in learning more about how LSD was useful to you.
I’m writing now, shortly after my 101st birthday, to request that you support Swiss psychiatrist Dr. Peter Gasser’s proposed study of LSD-assisted psychotherapy in subjects with anxiety associated with life-threatening illness. This will become the first LSD-assisted psychotherapy study in over 35 years.
I hope you will help in the transformation of my problem child into a wonder child.
Sincerely,
A. Hofmann
See also:
— This Is Your Country on Drugs: The Secret History of Getting High in America
— Albert Hofmann – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
— LSD inventor Albert Hofmann dies (BBC)
— LSD Inventor Albert Hofmann Dead at Age 102 (Wired)
Of particular note is the fact that Hoffman wrote this letter when he was 101. Moreover, he wrote it long hand (ie pen on paper) and you can view a scan of the letter, which shows a still steady hand for a man of such advanced and experienced age.
That said, LSD definitely isn’t for everyone and is absolutely illegal pretty much everywhere around the world, so don’t.
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July 9th, 2009
While LSD (and other powerful mind expanding drugs) have harmful potential, there is much anecdotal evidence of substantial and long-lasting beneficial effects, especially when administered in a controlled setting with the aid of a therapist.
Considering the high level of mental illness in our society, additional research is called for.
Regardless of one’s attitude toward recreational use of drugs, it seems a tragedy that our government’s puritanical laws have made it impossible for scientists and medical researchers to pursue a full understanding of these substances.
These days, it’s often industry lobbyists who shape our laws. I wonder if the pharmaceutical companies who make a fortune peddling anti-anxiety and antidepressant pills (that only address symptoms, and must be taken daily), are afraid that an inexpensive cure might stop their gravy train.
July 9th, 2009
i have to say that using psychedelics (LSD and psychoactive mushrooms) was definitely one of the heights of my intellectual and spiritual existence thus far. Definitely not regrettable, definitely no harmful side-effects (as far as i can tell), and i’m definitely open to the experience again. While certainly not for every one, i can say that my perspective on life and appreciation for it was certainly expanded in ways that i can’t even begin to put words to.
July 10th, 2009
The author title of this piece and his analysis demonstrates that he can’t read a letter, then goes on to suggest “don’t” as if no one should. This comes after he says “it’s not for everyone”, leaving plenty of “someones” out there. Albert invites Steve to relate his history not suggest a future experience, and he is asking to support a legal, controlled psychotherapy study, again the rant:”absolutely illegal almost everywhere”..but that is not the point of the letter.
The author’s point is that he is afraid of the substance and is very glad he can ignore it by being so absolutely law abiding. Whew!
July 11th, 2009
“Regardless of one’s attitude toward recreational use of drugs, it seems a tragedy that our government’s puritanical laws have made it impossible for scientists and medical researchers to pursue a full understanding of these substances.”
Absolutely and add MDMA to this list, as well.
July 11th, 2009
I wonder if Mr. Jobs wrote a response? At a time when our thinkers and leaders could use the kind of insight LSD can provide (to mentally healthy people in the right “setting”), I would venture to say that a published thoughtful note from Steve Jobs would be a valuable thing. He’s greatly respected in many circles and people would listen to what he has to say. I can only imagine that keeping Apples stock prices up is a higher priority than breaking down the stigma against renewing LSD research.
Too bad. Jobs found it to be a valuable tool for creative thinking. Others would as well if they had access to it in a therapeutic setting.
July 13th, 2009
My parents were very into LSD and I was exposed to it at an early age. I think more studies should be done on the long term psychological and sociological effects of the drug.
I believe it can help people to tap into a universal cosmic wisdom that is embedded into our genetic memory. Check out my LSD/Counterculture stories here: http://dryotamrcnhppkd.blogspot.com/2009/01/1963-venice-beach-ca.html