Michael Pollan on Psychedelics, Mental Health, and AI: ‘Our Consciousness Is Under Siege’

Rolling Stone

by Elisabeth Garber-Paul

February 24, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Michael Pollan’s latest book, *A World Appears*, delves into the mysteries of consciousness, inspired by his psychedelic experiences with psilocybin mushrooms. In this thought-provoking exploration, Pollan questions whether consciousness is unique to humans or if it exists more universally across living and even non-living entities. His journey takes readers from plant neurobiology to AI research, raising profound existential questions about the nature of the self, the potential for machines to develop consciousness, and the origins of our subjective experience. Drawing on his own encounters with psychedelics, Pollan reveals how these experiences shifted his perception and sparked a deeper curiosity about the mind. Pollan’s shift from writing about food to exploring consciousness began during his research for *How to Change Your Mind*, which popularized the use of psychedelics for mental health. While earlier scientists were reluctant to discuss their own psychedelic use, Pollan found an increasingly open scientific community willing to explore these topics. His new book highlights how psychedelics can alter perceptions and raise fundamental questions about reality, consciousness, and identity. Through interviews with plant neurobiologists, AI researchers, and Zen practitioners, Pollan weaves together diverse perspectives to create a comprehensive narrative about the nature of awareness. A key theme in *A World Appears* is the interplay between human consciousness and technology. Pollan expresses skepticism toward AI’s ability to replicate consciousness, arguing that machines may merely mimic human-like behavior rather than truly understanding or experiencing the world. This raises important questions about the limits of artificial intelligence and its potential impact on humanity. Pollan also emphasizes the importance of protecting our mental space from corporate and political exploitation, suggesting that our inner world is under threat in an increasingly tech-dominated society. For readers interested in culture, *A World Appears* offers a timely and thought-provoking exploration of consciousness, identity, and technology. Pollan’s work not only challenges conventional thinking about the mind but also invites us to reconsider our relationship with nature, science, and AI. His journey from the garden to the laboratory to the digital realm highlights the interconnectedness of all things and underscores

Verticals

cultureentertainment

Originally published on Rolling Stone on 2/24/2026