Elon Musk and several key figures within the tech industry, including members of the Tesla board, have recently been at the centre of media attention for their use of drugs, with some even partaking alongside Musk. This interest was sparked anew following a Wall Street Journal article last year that highlighted the prevalence of microdosing substances such as ketamine, LSD, and mushrooms among Silicon Valley’s elite. The report suggested that for many, drug use has become an integral part of their professional routine. Musk himself has been open about having a prescription for ketamine and his infamous marijuana session on Joe Rogan’s podcast. Moreover, Peter Thiel has invested in a psychedelic therapy startup and supports a sports competition that embraces doping.
The allure of psychedelics within the tech community isn’t a recent phenomenon but traces back to Silicon Valley’s origins. Early experimentation with these substances played a role in spreading their popularity as tools for enhancing creativity, aligning with the broader countercultural movements of the time. John Markoff, a seasoned tech journalist and author of “What the Dormouse Said: How the Sixties Counterculture Shaped the Personal Computer Industry,” shared insights with Vox into how the intersection of psychedelic research and the burgeoning tech scene contributed to the development of both.
Markoff strongly contests the notion that Silicon Valley’s psychedelic culture is a modern trend. He notes personal connections to Musk’s social circles at events like Burning Man, emphasizing a long-standing tradition of drug exploration among tech innovators. His book details how in the 1960s, a collective of engineers and tech enthusiasts at institutions like the Stanford Research Institute and Hewlett Packard delved into psychedelics, believing in their potential to boost creativity. This group, known as the International Foundation for Advanced Study, conducted LSD experiments intending to scientifically evaluate creativity enhancement, ceasing their work only when the drug became illegal.
The foundation for Silicon Valley’s unique culture of innovation was laid during a period of intense exploration of human potential, blending technological advancement with various forms of experimentation, including psychedelic drug use. Markoff highlights the dynamic environment of the mid-1960s, which fostered a breeding ground for creativity and breakthroughs in technology. This era predated the commercial naming of Silicon Valley and was characterized by a mix of scientific rigor and countercultural openness to new experiences.
Despite the resurgence of interest in microdosing and its purported benefits among today’s tech leaders, Markoff argues that such practices are not representative of the entire Silicon Valley ethos. He points out the diversity and multicultural nature of the tech hub, suggesting that focusing solely on drug use among a few high-profile individuals overlooks the broader, more inclusive, and innovative spirit of the region.
Moreover, the fascination with enhancing human capabilities through substances isn’t limited to the realm of creativity and cognitive performance. It extends into sports, with initiatives like the Enhanced Games, which embraces the use of performance-enhancing drugs as a means to elevate human potential. This mirrors the wider biohacking movement and reflects a continuing interest in transcending human limitations.
Ultimately, the discussion around drugs and innovation in Silicon Valley touches on deeper themes of human enhancement, creativity, and the quest for new frontiers of experience and performance. While the narratives of drug use by tech luminaries capture the public imagination, they represent only a fragment of the rich tapestry of motivations, aspirations, and cultural dynamics that define Silicon Valley.
