Report an issue
Tell us what's wrong and we'll take a look.
Thanks – we got it. We'll review and follow up if needed.
In October 2017, philosopher Jules Evans traveled to the Amazon jungle to take part in a nine-day ayahuasca retreat. This is the story of his adventure, and the turbulent two weeks after the retreat. It explores the contemporary phenomenon of ayahuasca tourism, and the clash of very different cultures. It looks at the extraordinary opportunities and risks of psychedelic therapy. And it gives you a first-hand account of a 'spiritual emergency' - a messy spiritual awakening - and the tools you need to get through them. It's a testament to the mind's ability to go to some wild places, and come back intact. Jules is a historian of ecstatic experiences and an expert in spiritual emergencies. He is a research fellow at the Centre for the History of the Emotions at Queen Mary, University of London; a BBC New Generation Thinker, and the organizer of the London Philosophy Club. Praise for Jules' previous books, Philosophy for Life & Other Dangerous Situations (2012) and The Art of Losing Control: 'A revelation'. The Observer'This book changed my life.' Adrian Edmondson'He reminds us philosophy is not just about analysis. It's also about the good life.' Matthew Syed, Times Book of the Year'His sensitivity as a thinker, like his skill as a storyteller, is never in doubt.' The Guardian'Evans is a natural storyteller and his honesty about his own experience is refreshing and disarming. Evans takes his subject matter seriously but delivers his investigations in an endlessly amusing and eye-opening manner.' The Big Issue'Hugely enjoyed Philosophy for Life. Am an avid fan of classical philosophy & this book applies it thoroughly & beautifully.' Derren BrownFind out more at www.philosophyforlife.org
Jules Evans
Jules Evans is research fellow at the Centre for the History of the Emotions at Queen Mary, University of London. His recent media work include talks or interviews on ecstatic experiences on Radio 3 and Radio 4 (most recently on radio 4's Archive, about stadium rock as an ecstatic experience), as well as an appearance to talk about drug policy on Newsnight. This summer, he has given talks about the place of ecstasy in modern culture at venues including the British Museum, the National Gallery, and Wilderness and Latitude festivals. He has also spoken internationally at many venues and media, including the Month of Philosophy in Amsterdam, NPR radio, ABC Australia, and the South Korean government's global publishing conference. His TedX talk has 150,000 hits. Jules also runs practical philosophy workshops with organizations including Arsenal, Saracens, Deloitte, Escape the City, Sunday Assembly, the School of Life and Her Majesty's Prisons. He has an ongoing involvement in the Stoicism Today research project and is organizing the Stoic Week 2015 conference in November.
More by Jules Evans
Why Readwise Books?
Readwise Books is an ebook & audiobook platform that automatically logs how much you and your friends read, making it fun and easy to read more. Learn more →