I ran across to quote from Timothy Leary this morning, “You’re only as young as the last time you changed your mind.” Leary is known for his advocacy of psychedelic drugs. Wikipedia says, “Leary argued that psychedelic substances—in proper doses, a stable setting, and under the guidance of psychologists could benefit behavior in ways not easily obtained by regular therapy. He experimented in treating alcoholism and reforming criminals, and many of his subjects said they had profound mystical and spiritual experiences which permanently improved their lives.” His Concord Prison Experiment reduced the recidivism rate from 60% to 20%.
That would be considered a success. However, Leary seemed to generate endless controversy. He eventually lost his teaching position at Harvard. Looking back, I wonder if his support for the use of psychedelic drugs didn’t offend the sensibilities of other faculty members. I suspect if Harvard had not fired him and he conducted more experiments, with success rates like his Concord Prison Experiment, he might be seen differently today. We will never know.
The quote this morning would seem to come from his long battle with authorities. In effect, he is saying as we get older, we get set in our ways. We also dislike change in any form. It is the young who will have to drive the change we need in society.
