Stoned Ape & Fungal Intelligence - Paul Stamets | After Skool
Summary
This episode explores the deep evolutionary connection between humans and fungi, noting that we share a common ancestor and that mushrooms predate our species by over a billion years. The discussion highlights the intelligence of mycelial networks and slime molds, which can optimize complex systems like the Tokyo subway. It also examines the Stoned Ape hypothesis, proposing that ancestral consumption of psilocybin mushrooms drove human brain expansion, enhanced empathy, and the development of leadership traits through repeated neurogenesis.
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