48 pages • 1 hour read
Michael PollanThis Is Your Mind on Plants
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2021A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In This Is Your Mind on Plants, Michael Pollan explores the complex relationships between humans and three psychoactive plants—opium, caffeine, and mescaline—through historical, cultural, and personal lenses. Pollan analyzes how society perceives and regulates these substances, delving into their roles in social practices, evolution, and the war on drugs, and reflecting on his own experiences with these plants. Topics include addiction and trauma within Native American communities.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Michael Pollan's This Is Your Mind on Plants is praised for its engaging exploration of psychoactive plants and their impact on human consciousness. Critics appreciate its accessible yet insightful narrative and rich historical context. However, some find its discursiveness a bit overwhelming. Overall, it’s an enlightening read for both newcomers and enthusiasts of plant pharmacology.
Who Should Read This Is Your Mind on Plants?
Readers who enjoyed How to Change Your Mind by Michael Pollan or Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari will relish This Is Your Mind on Plants. It's ideal for those curious about psychoactive botanicals, the cultural history of mind-altering plants, and Pollan's engaging exploration into human consciousness.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsBook Details
Science / Nature
Psychology
Health / Medicine
Natural World: Environment
Identity: Indigenous
Society: Colonialism
Journalism
Psychology