08/23/2026
Timothy Leary spent much of his life telling people one thing: learn to think for yourself.
In a fascinating old interview, the controversial Harvard psychologist and psychedelic advocate explains that his philosophy began long before L*D. As a child, Leary became fascinated by Socrates and the idea to “know thyself.” He came to see questioning authority and understanding your own mind as central to being human.
Leary argues that schools and institutions often teach people how to fit into society rather than how to operate their own minds. Psychedelics were simply one tool in a much older human tradition of altering consciousness, he says. Later, he became equally fascinated by computers and electronic media, believing technology could become another tool for exploring and programming the mind.
Perhaps his best advice comes near the end. Think for yourself, experiment with your own life, and surround yourself with people smarter than you.
Behind all the controversy, Leary says his life's work was ultimately about “awakening or encouraging people to develop their potential.”
