Hmmm ... interesting. But it will be difficult to come up with something as catchy and inviting as "Celebrating the Rebirth ... ." I'll keep this in mind ...

If such a change will draw a larger audience into the dialogue, then I'm all for it!

Paul,
From my experience of the site and your personal writtings it would seem as though you are more 'embracing' rather than 'celebrating' futurism. I get an emphasis towards the promotion of futurist 'type' thinking as something to be consciously aware of. I guess the idea of futurism to be a contemporary telos rather than an idealism for sci-fi fans... and that psychedelics provide a prototypical example of how this type of philosophy can positively redefine outdate social dogma (for a give issue).

-consider this market research.

I like the "psychedelic futurism" tag and I would leave it--but that may be just me. The literal definition of "psychedelic" is mind-blowing or mind-manifesting--and what's more futuristic than manifesting the scope of the mind?

How about
"New Future Movement"
with movement having multiple meanings

like a political/social movement
or the more literal "moving towards a new future"

remember the future is just a now that hasnt yet occured
so why not move towards a new and better future paradigm?

I just find your site and I love it! Seems you want to change subtitle, but I wish you could still use the word "psychedelic" in it, since it`s important for people to see where it all comes from, all these wonderful things and ideas you put forward are the product of the expanded mind that psychedelics had given us. Congrats for excelent job.

Paul: IDEALLY, I'd like to see the term "psychedelic" retained, somehow or other. But I also, ABSOLUTELY DEFINITELY, concur with your wanting to expand the scope this (already magnificent) website. I'd like to see some systematic, but sympathetic, critical evaluations of other great sites, for example, Kurzweil's awesome site or John Smart's excellent SingularityWatch.com. Smart, btw, has his own theory of what amounts to concresence, and, while the dates are a bit different (pushed a bit further out into the future), his stuff is not only similar to Terrence's stuff, but also very similar to Peter Russell's stuff as well, and also similar to James Gardner's BIOCOSM theory. Now I think you're already linked to these sites anyway, but it **would** be nice, I agree, if these sites would reciprocate (some, perhaps, already do) and link-back to **this** site. And the term "psychedelic" might be a bit off-putting for them (a cognitive-intellectual pity, to be sure, but likely nonetheless). So--what to do? Not sure. I want us (the FutureHi.net community) to still honor our intrepid psychedelic colleagues--past & present--such as Terrence & Dennis, Timothy, Lilly, Schulgin, Frank Barron, name but a few. I'll think about a solution, but I just wanted to frame the dilemma: I, for one, appreciate intrepid psychonauts such as Tim and Terrence and John Lilly who've don *heroic* dose after *heroic* dose to explore and bring back news of what they found. The Leary-Wilson 8-circuit model of neuro-reality is right-on. We need to retain and honor this aspect, and yet go a bit more mainstream---**CUTTING EDGE**, to be sure!!--but slightly more mainstream nonetheless, if only so as to be able to **address** a **wider** audience. It IS a quandary...but an interesting and hopeful one...(to be continued...)

I think you may have a point about wanting to change the background aesthetics of this site Paul. I like it already how it is, but im open to change too. How about changing the word "psychedelic" to "entheogenic"? I think the latter word is more versatile and less "sixties-throw-back"...

Speaking of which, did you know that on the 18th of July the government in the UK is passing a bill which will make fresh shrooms (which were previously legal to sell, buy, possess) a schedule I substance? A sad day is looming for our friends on the otherside of the pond -- though there is still a small but credible chance that the clause will be deemed unlawful in the (hopefully) upcoming judicial review according to european regulations. Doesnt look like they will be sold legally again though. More information here:
http://www.entheogendefencefund.org.uk/

Paul,

I understand and approve the need for going beyond the word "psychedelic". (After all, I would define myself like Michaux as, above all, a "water drinker", and am not so interested in psychedelics myself). The problem that I see, as a "non psychedelics" person, is that psychedelic thinkers, like Leary, are most of the time more imaginative, more mature, more compassionate than the average "futurist" geek with his engineering mentality..I think future Hi is representing a distinctive trend in the whole transhumanist/extropian crew, something warmer, more artistic and visionnary: a trend we obviously need to see continuing. "Psychedelic" was an imperfect word to describe it, but it existed, and this was a good point...What other word should we use?

Thanks everyone for their input so far, especially Remi, MCP2012. You're right, finding an alternative has proved difficult. I'll probably just keep it and press on. I personally love it, but was hoping there would be something that would encompas Higher conciousness/intelligence/compasion/visionary with futurism without the word 'psychedelic'. Here is all I have been able to think of so far:

High Frontiers of Inner and Outer Space
Visionary Futurism
Future Hi - Spearheading Psychedelic and Futuristh Thought

Excellent posts since the other day I weighed-in! As I mentioned in the Provo thread (and RAW mentions this, of course, as well), advanced yogas (such as Kundalini, and even advanced Hatha Yoga and, of course, Tantric Yoga) have been used for centuries (indeed, millenia...) to activate higher brain/mind circuits. So, neuro-**pharmacology** (which is a *branch* of neuro-physics) doesn't *exhaust* neurophysical paths/methods of activating these circuits. And, Paul, you've stressed this before as well, of course.

And I very much like your suggestions, Paul! How 'bout we dynamically, intrepidly *combine* 'em, because, I also would very much like to retain "Future Hi" in the title or phrase. So how 'bout:

FUTURE HI: Visionary Futuristics at the Cutting Edge of Both INNER & OUTER SPACE.

"Futuristics" is the preferred term, btw, instead of both "Futurism" which, for me, at least is a bit too "golly-gee-whiz" Star Trek/Buck Rogers-ish, and "futurology," which implies a *systematic* science or "logos" or "logia" on a par with, say, biology. Now, John Smart's stuff not(quite)withstanding (see his wonderful, wonderful site SingularityWatch.com, though!!!), there is no science of precise future *forecasting* (not in every detail at least--but see both Smart's stuff and Kurzweil's stuff: Kurzweil makes a good case for limited, yet more-or-less precise forecasting). Futurology, as an "-ology", in other words, implies (again, for me, at least) something that smacks both of scientism (as distinguished from science--see F.A. Hayek & Michael Polanyi[& others] on scientism as opposed to science...) and also *technocracy* (bureacratic technocracy at that...think "Brazil," "1984" "THX-1138", "Brave New World", etc.). ***Futuristics***, on the other hand, is intended to be a *discipline* of systematic **conjecture**, and perhaps even alternate scenario(s)-building, as regards the social and personal implications of on-going technological change/development. Which is to say, *futuristics*, if/when properly done, transdisciplinarily integrates science-&-technology with psychology, eithics, economics and jurisprudence and social/political philosophy to explore **how** technology should be developed and integrated into the human---and transhuman & posthuman & superhuman---world. It's building a foundation to explore and conjecture what **might** happen, what we **want to happen**, and what social-institutional (jurisprudence, informal ethical norms & protocols) parameters need to be fostered, encouraged, or, on the other hand, changed, modified, even squelched or prohibited, so as to enable a humane (or trans-humane [!!], benign) set of outcomes. And, paradoxically, it also implies an effort to provide meta-parameters that can accomodate ***unintended consequences*** of whatever (a particular techno-change, e.g.) While economics and psychology can provide fairly solid theoretical background for conjecturing and forecasting what techno-changes will induce in terms of social interaction and consequences, they can't tell us everything. So we have to do our interdisiplinary/transdisciplinary best to figure-out what social protocols need to be in place to **allow for** the **most** freedom, spontaneity, progress, etc., yet firewall against "gray-goo", "Soylent Green," etc. crap that **no-one** actually wants to transpire.

"Futuristics", btw, is what students of the late, great French futurist & liberal-individualist philosopher, BERTRAND DE JOUVENEL, came-up with, if I'm not mistaken. Jouvenel himself, in his classic work **The Art of Conjecture** (great book, y'all!), coined the term "futuribles", which is a contraction of "possible futures". As a renowed social/political philosopher, as well as a futurist, Jouvenel was deeply concerned with developing a discipline for conjecuring about techno-social change and its impact. With all due respect to Toffler (whose work I respect, to be sure), Jouvenel, I think, contributed, albeit in an underappreciated way, as much or more to contemporary futurism as/than Toffler, in terms of trying to provide some sort of (methodological) discipline and rigor.

So now, with apologies for the (hopefully interesting/informative) digression on terms, whadaya think?! FUTURE HI: Visionary Futuristics at the Cutting Edge of Both INNER & OUTER SPACE. I like it! But then--DUH!--I would, since its "my baby" as it were. But I think it captures the proper spirit. Work "entheogens" or "entheogenic" in, if you like. I like the term "entheogen" very, very much; but I also think that "psychedelic," properly interpreted and appreciated, is still a great term. But, alas, given the (still echoing, reverberating since the 60's and the ludicrous schedule-1 lock-down bullshit...) skitishness of the 4th-circuit herd-mentality, we should, perhaps, take it out of the title. But---integrity, integrity!!---we should still devote a large portion of the site to psychedelics, entheogens, etc---and be damn-well PROUD of doing so!!! Timothy was (as usual) right---systematically changing one's brain/mind, whether via neuro-pharmacology or yoga, or what-have-you, is a FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHT!!! It deals with consciousness and conscience, both of which are (virtually axiomatically) inherently contemplated in the theme and purpose of the FIRST AMENDMENT.

3L302: Bummer, man! Now the Brits are clamping-down? WHY? What's the damn **rationale** (i.e., **rationalizaton**!!)??! This is astounding and apalling! The very birthplace of Lockean classical liberalism...screwing *this* issue up so atrociously...appalling, outrageous, horrifying, and abysmally STUPID...how far the Brits have sunk...a shame, a SHAME!

Remi: Absolutely, man! ***One certainly doesn't have to have done **any** psychedelics to be welcome in the FutureHi community!!!*** It's helpful to have experienced, say, LSD, or DMT, because, otherwise, one literally doesn't know what such folks (i.e., folks who have experienced the subjective effects of such brain-activation chemicals) are talking about. It's exactly the same as color-to-a-blind-person or sex-to-a-virgin! BUT, this is NOT at all to denigrate such virgins---just happens to be a logical-epistemic fact. ALL individuals who are concerned about the future of (trans)humanity, and who want to contribute to our successfully navigating the future (and even helping to clarify and define what "success" even *means* in that context...) is absolutely WELCOME to visit, comment, contribute as he/she sees fit. I've no doubt that Paul would concur with this 200%.

OK, so this old man's gonna quit rantin' now! Gotta go home...

Y'all have a wonderful weekend!!

Hi MSP2012,

In fact, in my case, "virgin" would not be the exact word, although I certainly don't have the experience of many Future Hi people. Let's just say that I experimented a bit when younger, found it interesting (even spectacular!) but simply *reading* Leary's exo psychology was much more life changing (at least for me) than doing any chemical. I'm convinced that chemicals are certainly a very valid way to find new intuitions and develop new ideas. But I'm sure that there are other ways, and some are perhaps purely intellectual (jnana yoga, the hindus would say)...

PS: Paul, why not "shamanistic futurism" ?

I love the current title too. Psychedelic doesn't necessarily have to be interpreted as drugs. I think it means colorful, fanciful dreaming, thinking outside the box with fresh perpectives.

However if you must change it here are some ideas:

Celebrating the rebirth of enlightened futurism.

Building a high energy future.

Making the future fun again!

Inventing the future, one blog at a time.

Celebrating the rebirth of creative futurism.

Re-Inventing the future daily.

Creating a future worth visiting.

Celebrating the rebirth of subversive optimism.

Whatever you call it, keep up the good work!

WOW! Lots of excellent suggestions.
I personally am still digging some phrase utilizing "inner and outer space" -- that really seems to wrap both 'psychedelic' and 'futurism / futuristic' in a relatively 'PC' phrase that should hopefully be inviting to almost any visitor.

Remi -- I couldnt agree with you more! I personally practice what I consider a form of Jnana Yoga, some of the fruit of which can be seen on this site.
Its when I hear the small voice dictating the exact words of my "poetry" that I know I've stepped into the same realms as those tread by our fellow psychonauts.

Remi: I totally concur...**Reading** Leary's and Wilson's and McKenna's stuff was very, very definitely life-changing. *Cosmic Trigger I*, *Changing My Mind (Among Others)*, *The Invisible Landscape*, *True Hallucinations*, & *Food of the Gods* we all very influencial. Glad you've actually " *done* " some " *stuff* ", though, so that you actually subjectively know some of the "landscape."

So, Paul, what do you think of the suggestions?!...

good luck redesigning futurehi Paul.
one suggestion i have, is to give a bit more room to the design/art links, projects. i think that for a future to exist, we have to be able to imagine it (DAH). that is, not only in theory made up of words, but also of images, design. "an image can speak a thousand words" seems to apply for me, as of course, a word can convey a thousand images as well.
Paul finds some greatly inspiring art/design links, which i always enjoy very much. i love architecture and design, and they help me visualize potential future scenarios.

also, about the very word "psychedelic". to me, it has little to do with drugs. drugs being only one minute part of the psychedelic experience.
all those with a bare minimum of education know this:
The word psychedelic is a neologism coined from the Greek words for "mind," ψυχη (psyche), and "manifest," δηλειν (delein).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychedelic
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psyche

psychedelic to me is psyche experiences/analizes. hence a person pondering about its own inner working is in a psychedlic state.
i could then ask: " what is NOT a psychedelic state".

best of luck Paul. this is a mighty project. i've thought a bit about "the rebirth of psychedlic futurism", i still havent found anything i liked better. if i really wanted to play with words, i'd ask why the word "futurism"? it would be suggesting that we are thinking of a future as opposed to a now?
yet, it is nice to look at potential futures...
um...i also like the word "landscape" posted by MCP.

How about

"22nd Century Culture"

"Dispatches From the Transhuman Future"

"Free Transhumans, Free Future, Free Energy"

We can run these through committee if you like. I also think entheogen sounds more adult and less hippy-dippy than "psychedelic." Just my $.02.

Way to go, Lu! "Dispatches from the Transhuman Future" is not bad, not bad at all. I'm a bit dubious as to whether it could carry the whole site, but as the name of a section, it would server very nicely! "Free Transhumans, Free Future, Free Energy" is also very, very good, as a catch-phrase...

Best to all...