The Immortality Key; Psychedelics and the Ancient Age | Brian Muraresku & Prof. Carl Ruck | EP 183

This podcast was recorded on May 14th, 2021.

In today’s episode, Dr. Jordan Peterson is accompanied by author Brian Muraresku and Professor Carl Ruck to unravel the secrets of ancient Greek culture and religion. They embark upon the sinuous journey of discussing psychedelics in Ancient Greek religion, and how both Brian and Professor Ruck became deeply invested in understanding the subject.

Today we meet with Brian Muraresku, who tells us why and how he was drawn to research the role of psychedelics within Western civilization. Muraresku is also the author of The Immortality Key: The Secret History of the Religion With No Name.

Carl Ruck is an American professor who’s known for his extensive research on mythology and religion regarding the sacred role of entheogens; a selection of psychoactive plants that are known for inducing altered states of reality or consciousness. Ruck co-authored the book The Road to Eleusis: Unveiling the Secret of the Mysteries, and is currently teaching mythology classes supporting this theory at Boston University.

Brian Muraresku and Professor Carl Ruck’s books:

Professor Carl Ruck’s The Road to Eleusis:

[00:00] Introduction
[4:00] Jordan begins the discussion with Muraresku on how he became interested in the subject of psychedelics in ancient Greek religion.
[16:30] The story of Brian's 12-year journey to discover the secret mushroom religion of the ancient Greeks.
[20:00] The idea that beer and ergot are the root psychedelic experience in the form of religious communal experience.
[23:30] Facing death in Eleusis.
[27:00] Overview on Brian's trips while researching for his book The Immortality Key.
[33:00] Muraresku talks about whether or not he’s found links to the origins of Christianity in his research.
[46:30] Professor Carl Ruck joins. They discuss Ruck's co-authorship of The Road to Eleusis.
[55:00] Distinguishing between visionary and hallucinogenic experiences.
[1:04:00] The main thesis of The Road to Eleusis as described by Carl Ruck.
[1:10:00] Shamanic tradition that echoes Greek myth, even Disney movies mirror the same elements of experience.
[1:15:00] Public reactions to The Road to Eleusis.
[1:25:30] Carl Ruck's experience with the kukiyon potion.
[1:31:00] Recounting other psychedelic experiences of Carl Ruck.
[1:36:30] The use of realizations achieved through psychedelic use.
[1:44:00] Speculation on influential thinkers in Western culture that may have been affected by entheogenic substances.
[1:46:00] Brian on not taking entheogenic substances after devoting so much of his life to its research.
[1:49:30] Professor Ruck talks about what the relationship between Dionysus of Greek mythology and Christ is/was.

#Psychedelics #Consciousness #Religion

Jordan B. Peterson is a professor of psychology at the University of Toronto, a clinical psychologist, and author of the multi-million copy bestseller 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos, #1 for nonfiction in 2018 in the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, the Netherlands, Brazil and Norway, and slated for translation into 50 languages.
Dr. Peterson has appeared on many popular podcasts and shows, including the Joe Rogan Experience (877, 958, 1006), The Rubin Report, H3H3, and many more. Dr. Peterson’s own podcast has focused mainly on his lecture series, covering a great deal of psychology and historical content.

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[markoboychuk]

Still cannot fathom how lucky we are to be able to listen to these kinds of conversations for free. I am extremely grateful.

[AfterSkool]

Brian's book, "The Immortality Key", is extraordinary. It's a story that begins with curiosity, which turns into an investigation, which turns into a thrilling adventure.

[Jefrejtor]

Yes, please get Paul Stamets on the show! He's a fascinating figure, and more relevant than ever now.

[Izzy-ubsb]

I am an older woman. I believe many more women listen to your podcasts than is realized. I know several who know of and appreciate your insights. Thank you so much for your bravery and honesty and the incredible effort you have put into studying the science of psychology and humanities to the depth that you have achieved.

[manuelpineda]

It's so fucking great that Jordan is back.

[StanSyfert]

Oof that last quote from Prof. Ruck hit deep: "Once you wake up it's hard to remember the dream..."

[BenAnderson-mghu]

Psilocybin saved me from years of uncontrollable depression, anxiety and illicit pill addiction. Imagine carrying heavy chains for over a decade and then all of a sudden that burden is gone. Believe it or not in a couple years the be all over for treatment of mental health related issues.

[LordOfTheRings]

My first trip with LSD was an awakening. I had a panic attack in the beginning (I was nervous), and then I was confronted with how profoundly alone in this life I am. I can have people around, but still the only person in my head is me. The only one who really understands my desires, emotions, and intentions is me alone. That to me made me realize that I didn't have to tell anyone anything. I am not as dependant as I thought I was. But I was with family, and we went outside under the stars to talk all night long. When the affects were wearing off, I was the happiest and most easy going I have been in years. It's like all of my anxiety went away and I felt a calm I had never experienced before. It was amazing.

[xquisiteLat]

This was over TOO soon, I loved every second of it. Thank you JP!

[NeuroPulse]

Dr Peterson thank you for acknowledging the danger of alcohol. As a recovering alcoholic, 7 years sober, it is a breath of fresh air to hear somebody point out the danger instead of just idiotically admiring it.

[Goldenfeline]

Thank you Dr. Petersen for having the courage to bring these conversations to this open forum ❤

[neilcowmeadowguitartuition]

How refreshing it is to hear highly intelligent, passionate people discuss their ideas - so different from the rabid despots who rage against Jordan when he dares to remain dignified and polite in the face of their attacks.
Thank you gentlemen, it was a pleasure to hear you today.

[travislee]

I’m here to tell you that psilocybin, and LSD, when combined with actual internal exploration can bring about fundamental changes. Micro dosing has served me well. While I have not actually ingested enough in any single session to actually have a “trip”, the results over the years speak for itself. I suffered from untreated and misdiagnosed PTSD. For decades I suffered depression and anxiety, that threatened my sanity. Along with these wonderful substances and an acceptance of Christ, I’ve been able to pull myself above all the issues and have begun to clean up my room. God bless you Jordan Peterson. With God and you on my side I can now live a good life. A life in which I can give back to those around me and build something for the future. Please take care of yourself Dr. Peterson. The world is better for having you in it.

[yah_bless]

the world needs Paul Stamets interviewed by Jordan Peterson.

[alant]

The last 3 minutes of this conversation... mind-blowing.

[rebeccahnorman]

waited my whole life to hear this conversation and it has consolidated my experience

[xNiclz]

As someone who has “experimented” tremendously with LSD, psilocybin, DMT, 2C-B etc., I truly enjoyed watching this conversation. While I definitely don’t encourage others to use such drugs, I can without a doubt say that it is one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself, because it has granted me the opportunity to expand my horizon and look at the world through a different lens. One of the greatest benefits that I’ve gained from it is the ability to deal with or rather “accept” my mortality.

[nosho_now]

Thank you for existing Mr Jordan Peterson. :) you’re the only person I can listen to endlessly. You never cease to question, and your search for the truth comes with humility and such grace, it really is most authentic.

[maythesanerain]

I love hearing Terence’s name come out of respectable people’s mouths.

[jordan.]

This has been, single handedly, one of the best conversations I have ever listened to.