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A Brief History of Drugs: From the Stone Age to the Stoned Age

Name: A Brief History of Drugs: From the Stone Age to the Stoned Age
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Book Synopsis: A clear-eyed look at the instrumental role drugs have played in our cultural, social, and spiritual development. • First American publication of the surprising European bestseller. • Examines everything from the ancient use of ergot and datura to the modern phenomenon of “designer” drugs such as Ecstasy and crack cocaine. From remotest antiquity to the present era of designer drugs and interdiction, drugs have played a prominent role in the cultural, spiritual, and social development of civilizations. Antonio Escohotado demonstrates how the history of drugs illuminates the history of humanity as he explores the long relationship between mankind and mind-altering substances. Hemp, for example, has been used in India since time immemorial to stimulate mental agility and sexual prowess. Aristotle’s disciple Theophrastus testifies to the use of datura by the ancient Greeks and further evidence links the rites at Eleusis to the ingestion of a hallucinogen. Similar examples can be found in cultures as diverse as the Celts, the ancient Egyptians, the Aztecs, and other indigenous peoples around the world. Professor Escohotado also looks at the present-day differences that exist between the more drug-tolerant societies like Holland and Switzerland and countries advocating complete repression of these substances. The author provides a comprehensive analysis of the enormous social costs of the drug war that is coming under increasing fire from all levels of society. Professor Escohotado’s work demonstrates that drugs have always existed and been used by societies throughout the world and the contribution they have made to humanity’s development has been enormous. The choice we face today is to teach people how to use them correctly or to continue to indiscriminately demonize them. “Just say no,” the author says, is not an option. Just say “know” is. Antonio Escohotado is a professor of philosophy and social science methodology at the National University of Distance Education in Madrid, Spain. He travels widely, offering lectures and seminars on the subject of drugs and history.

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Unlock the secrets of our cultural, social, and spiritual past with "A Brief History of Drugs: From the Stone Age to the Stoned Age". This thought-provoking book has taken Europe by storm and is now available in the United States for the first time. Delve into the fascinating world of mind-altering substances, from the ancient use of ergot and datura to the modern phenomenon of "designer" drugs like Ecstasy and crack cocaine. Antonio Escohotado, a renowned professor of philosophy and social science, takes you on a journey through time, revealing the profound impact drugs have had on human civilization.

From the ancient Greeks' use of datura to stimulate their minds to the rituals of indigenous cultures worldwide, drugs have been intertwined with our history since time immemorial. Discover the hidden connections between hemp and mental agility, and the sexual prowess it has been believed to enhance in India for centuries. Join Escohotado as he leads you through the rites at Eleusis, where hallucinogens played a pivotal role, and uncovers the evidence left by the Celts, ancient Egyptians, Aztecs, and countless other societies who recognized the power of mind-altering substances.

Professor Escohotado not only examines the historical significance of drugs but also presents a compelling argument against the complete repression of these substances. Learn about the stark differences between drug-tolerant societies like Holland and Switzerland and those that advocate for strict prohibition. With a thorough analysis of the social costs of the drug war, the author challenges us to rethink our approach to drugs and the impact it has on society. The choice is clear - it's time to move away from the outdated "just say no" mentality and embrace a new perspective of understanding and knowledge.

Don't miss out on this groundbreaking book that challenges conventional wisdom and provides a fresh perspective on drugs and their role in human development. Start your journey today with "A Brief History of Drugs: From the Stone Age to the Stoned Age" by Antonio Escohotado. Click here to purchase your copy and let your mind expand with the knowledge within!

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