Psychedelics and Their Impact on Animal Behavior

The prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain where cognitive development takes place, is highly developed in primates, small rodents, doglike carnivores, Asian elephants, various bird species, and large sea mammals. This section explores how psychedelics interact with the brain, potentially altering behavior in animals that possess a similar cognitive structure.

Understanding the Brain's Role

Our brains possess certain 'extra parts' such as the prefrontal cortex, which are crucial for understanding ourselves as part of the group and our existence as a continuous person. This complex development occurred approximately 70,000 years ago, during a period referred to as the 'Cognitive Revolution.' This revolution was marked by the creation and belief in abstract concepts, like money, religion, and countries, which are fundamentally imagined realities.

In comparison, animals lack the same level of cognitive development and do not possess the same abstract thinking abilities. They are therefore not capable of understanding or experiencing the world in the same way that humans do. The presence of these 'extra parts' in the brain is what causes humans to suffer from insecurities, fears, and desires based on imagined constructs. Psychedelics have the potential to help us 'think' and 'be' outside of these constructs, providing a unique form of liberation.

The Psychedelic Experience and Cognitive Restructuring

Psychedelics can help us 'see through' the imagined constructs that confine our experience, making us feel as if we are 'outside' these constructs. This realm of perception, often referred to as the 'outside the box' or 'being outside the imaginary box' known as the ego, can be a powerful and liberating experience for humans.

From the perspective of spiritual seekers, it is often the act of seeking itself that keeps us bound, preventing us from recognizing that we were already free. Instead of seeking, one should practice mindful observation. This practice can lead to a more profound and continuous sense of freedom, distinct from the transient moments of psychedelic experiences.

Psychedelics and Animal Behavior

While psychadelics influence the prefrontal cortex, which is significantly less developed in animals, these effects can still be observed in certain species with more developed cognitive structures. Michael Pollan mentions a study in a Joe Rogan episode where animals were presented with the choice between a psychedelic drug and food. Interestingly, animals typically chose the drug over food. However, after this initial choice, they avoided the drug subsequently, suggesting a potential negative or disorienting effect from the psychedelics.

This behavior demonstrates that even with the potential for altered perception brought on by psychedelics, animals do not necessarily seek to repeat the experience. This preference for food over drugs, and the subsequent avoidance after the first instance, highlights the lack of conceptual attachment or seeking behavior in animals.

Conclusion

The impact of psychedelics on animals, while not as profound or complex as their impact on human cognition, still provides an intriguing area of study. Understanding the effects of psychedelics on animals can offer valuable insights into the evolution of consciousness and the role of the prefrontal cortex in human cognition.

Further Reading

To delve deeper into these topics, you can listen to Fred's podcast, which explores the nature of human cognition and the liberating effects of psychedelic experiences. Additionally, exploring the works of Michael Pollan can provide further insight into the complex relationship between the brain, consciousness, and the physical world.