Many iconic moments in popular culture, technological innovation, and art have been inspired by psychedelic use. From the Beatles to Steve Jobs, substances like LSD have revolutionized the way we experience music and tech, while the auditory, visual, and philosophical aspects of the MDMA-inspired rave scene have also made cultural inroads into the mainstream. The new perspectives, paradigm shifts, openness, connection to self, emotional exploration, and other forms of healing and journeying catalyzed by psychedelics have inspired many innovators to approach problem solving, aesthetics, artist expression, and more in transformative ways.
Creativity
Things to Know
- Many techies in Silicon Valley attribute heightened creativity and productivity to microdosing psychedelic substances like LSD or psilocybin
- Psychedelic-inspired art ranges in genre around the world, from the visionary art of Alex Grey to the ayahuasca paintings of Pablo Amaringo, and the surrealism of Salvador Dali
- The music of the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, the Grateful Dead, A$AP Rocky, and more has been inspired by psychedelics
- Psychedelic creativity can refer to both the creative impulses that an individual feels under the influence of a psychedelic substance, as well as art, music, light shows, and other forms of creative expression made to accommodate and stimulate a person under the influence of psychedelics
LSD and Creativity
LSD has long been associated with enhancing creativity and promoting divergent thinking.
Read about LSD and creativity.Psilocybin Mushrooms and Creativity
A common reason for consuming psilocybin mushrooms is to seek creative insights and breakthroughs, or to generally enhance creative capacity.
Read about mushrooms and creativity.MDMA and Creativity
While MDMA is primarily known for its empathogenic effects, it also has the potential to inspire creativity. One example is the rave scene, with music and visuals created to accommodate and enhance the MDMA experience.
Read about MDMA and creativity.
