Science (drugs) and Enlightenment

I chose to talk about the "Good Friday Experiment" because I feel that it is a good example of science, mixed with spirituality. Even though this experiment was mainly about drugs and how they might induce a mystical experience on an individual I feel that it raises a good point because there have been some people who have claimed to come out of a drugged haze and feel enlightened from it. Who in this world is more care-free than the stoners? No, seriously, nothing seems to bother them! They don't worry about their life or where it's going and they stay relaxed without stressing about anything. However, to claim that they are enlightened from this experience does not seem quite right to me because, among other things, the cognitive powers of a stoner can not compare to those of even an average person. They take "Stop Thinking" to a whole new level. They lack the motivation to go anywhere or do anything, other than make simple conversations and sit around.
In the Good Friday Experiment, a man named Aldous Huxley began experimenting with drugs, such as mescaline, "not to escape reality but to see it in all its sublime glory." That was the original intention. At least one person objected to this saying that at best the drugs would give a person more of an appreciation for nature, but it would not create a genuine enlightened experience.
The experiment results were very positive for the psilocybin drug, which all of the participants reported high levels of mystical quality experiments. The group reported beneficial effects, such as a better attitude, and a sharper appreciation for life's wonderfulness. However, despite these "positive" effects, there were also "negative" effects that were more downplayed. These are effects that most people will experience when taking drugs. They are very serious and should be taken into consideration before attempting this method of spiritual heightenness. Some of the subjects believed that they were dying, going crazy. There is also the chance of extreme anxiety and delusions.

I personally would not want to participate in an experiment like this but it does seem enticing. Almost like a short cut to enlightened thinking. However, this method is not foolproof or as safe as they may claim it to be. Though many of those who participated reported a positive experience and aftermath, there were also plenty of negative experiences to balance these. It is interesting to think that these people were able to come up with answers to questions, pose new questions, such as the agae old question of good and evil. If there is a god then why did he create evil? The answer to this lies mainly with the prospect of opposites. We need opposites for balance and without evil there would be no good.