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Return to the Brain of Eden: Restoring the Connection between Neurochemistry and Consciousness
An exploration of our fall from the pinnacle of human evolution 200,000 years ago and how we can begin our return • Explores recent neurological and psychological research on the brain and the role of plant biochemistry in human brain expansion • Explains how humanity’s prehistoric diet change led to a neurodegenerative condition characterized by aggression and a fearful perception of the world • Outlines a strategy of raw foods, tantric sexuality, shamanic practices, and entheogens to reverse our mental degeneration and restore our advanced abilities Over a period of a million years the human brain expanded at an increasingly rapid rate, and then, 200,000 years ago, the expansion abruptly stopped. Modern science has overlooked this in order to maintain that we are at the pinnacle of our evolution. However, the halt in brain expansion explains not only recently uncovered anomalies within the human brain but also the global traditions of an earthly paradise lost and of humanity’s degeneration from our original state of perpetual wonder and joy. Drawing on more than 20 years of research, authors Tony Wright and Graham Gynn explore how our modern brains are performing far below their potential and how we can unlock our higher abilities and return to the euphoria of Eden. They explain how for millions of years early forest-dwelling humans were primarily consuming the hormone-rich sex organs of plants--fruit--each containing a highly complex biochemical cocktail evolved to influence DNA transcription, rapid brain development, and elevated neural and pineal gland activity. Citing recent neurological and psychological studies, the authors explain how the loss of our symbiotic fruit-based diet led to a progressive neurodegenerative condition characterized by aggressive behaviors, a fearful perception of the world, and the suppression of higher artistic, mathematical, and spiritual abilities. The authors show how many shamanic and spiritual traditions were developed to counteract our decline. They outline a strategy of raw foods, tantric sexuality, shamanic practices, and entheogen use to reverse our degeneration, restore our connection with the plant world, and regain the bliss and peace of the brain of Eden.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 14, 2014
60 people are currently reading
688 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 7, 2016
“All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed; second, it is violently opposed; and third, it is accepted as being self evident.”
-Arthur Schopenhauer
In the forward for the book Return to the Brain of Eden, Terence Mckenna’s brother, Dr. Dennis Mckenna, addresses the ridicule that ‘fringe’ scientists usually come under when presenting hypotheses that go against mainstream scientific theories.
“The history of science and intellectual inquiry teaches us that, as is so often the case with truly novel syntheses, established scientific and intellectual institutions are too ossified, and too invested in the conventionally accepted worldview, to allow the introduction of a new paradigm without putting up considerable resistance.”
Fortunately for the authors of Return to the Brain of Eden, Tony Wright and Graham Gynn, it is hard to concretely criticise or point blank reject and excommunicate researchers based off of unpopular theories when it comes to the spiritual aspects of consciousness.
The Scientific Grounding of Spirituality
The scientific study and attempt to pinpoint the self and consciousness may be a paradox due to the ever flowing and wave-like nature of such concepts. It is akin to Alan Watts’ description of a man staring at a pointing finger rather than the object to which the finger is pointing.
Wright and Gynn have conducted research revolving around horticulture, biochemistry, and zoology, to present a strong scientific basis and expand upon the evident connection between biological neurochemistry and spiritual consciousness. Along with their research, they have presented habits and lifestyles found across the world that are connected with higher levels of consciousness.
Our Shrinking and Imbalanced Brains
While our ancestors thrived in the forest some 600,000 - 150,000 years ago, brain growth skyrocketed. On average, forest dwelling Homo sapiens had brains 10% larger than today’s median. Not only were our brains larger, there is evidence that the frugivorous (mainly fruit) diet provided by the forest for our ape and hominid ancestors, led to higher pineal gland function, as well as a harmonious partnership between our left and right brains.
Today, most humans are left-brain dominant. We are analytical, language-driven, and we categorize and compartmentalize everything that is presented to us because our brains cannot cope with a mass of detail.
The ‘intuitive’ and creative functions of the right brain have been thrown to the wayside of modern biology. Along with this generational degradation and shift, the environment and diet we subject ourselves to on a daily basis, cements our fate. That is, if we as a species choose to continue down this path of arguable insanity.
Wright and Gynn present that most of our societal suffering stems from the lack of harmony within our highly intelligent brains. The loss of our symbiotic fruit-based diet has led to this degenerative condition riddled with aggressive behaviors, perspectives of fear and anxiety, and a suppression of our higher artistic and spiritual abilities. The hormone-rich sex organs of plants provided, over generations, the stimulating biochemical building blocks that led to rapid brain development and increased pineal gland activity. Once humans left the forest, and began the shift to hunting and gathering, and eventually agriculture, the degradation set in and has been compounded ever since.
The Golden Age Path
Can we return to the brain of Eden? Perhaps not today, but we can shift our lifestyles a bit to aid us on our path of spiritual and creative practice. Wright and Gynn subsist largely on a raw foods diet composed of fruits and vegetables. They present that the makeup of fruit, and its glycemic level is ideal for human biological function. Our brains run off of the glucose, the biochemicals aid proper and balanced hormone production, and the fiber makes for a happy “second brain” aka the gut.
Besides a raw foods diet, Wright and Gynn also outline a strategy involving tantric sexuality, shamanic practices including sleep deprivation, and the usage of entheogens/hallucinogens to reverse our neurodegeneration and restore our feelings of connectivity with the natural world.
Aleister Crowley, who dabbled in Eastern yoga and Western occultism, asserted that tantric sexual practice was the,
“quickest and easiest way for average Westerners to expand their consciousness.”
Spiritual philosophers such as Timothy Leary and Richard Alpert (aka Ram Dass) advocated for LSD enhanced sex, due to the heightening of all senses, and the total envelopment of one’s self during the experience. While Dass eventually decided that drugs in themselves were not the answer, and that ‘spiritual’ practices were more sustainable in heightening our consciousness, responsible and regulated use of entheogens can obviously still serve as a tool on our path, rather than a crutch.
DMT and Our Third Eye
DMT is a chemical that is naturally found in plants and animals. It is also one of the strongest psychedelic hallucinogens in the world. While it is produced naturally in our pineal gland, humans have regularly experimented with the perception-bending substance in many diverse cultures. Bizarre and extreme effects can come from high doses of DMT, but even the lowest of doses have the after affect of feelings of laughter and happiness.
A shortage of the chemical in the brain has been associated with depressed states. Wright and Gynn have also explored the possibility that DMT may not have as much influence with the strengthened left brain as it does with our weakened right brain.
Stress has been found to increase DMT production within the pineal gland, leading to naturally occurring hallucinations. Because of this implication, meditation, prayer, chanting and other shamanic practices, may be able to affect the pineal and shift the balance between the left and right hemispheres of the brain. It has been scientifically proven that people who meditate have higher connectivity and bigger brains than those who do not.
The Likelihood of Utopia
Are Wright and Gynn showing us that humanity can follow this spiritual path to a potential utopia? It depends on what your definition of utopia is. At the basic level of text, their book is merely a comparison of the ideal environment and practices our bodies should be subjected to, contrasted with all of the habitual failings of today’s society.
As individuals it is easy to recognize how out of harmony we are with ourselves and our world. We live in an environment where quantity rules over quality, and self-medication in the forms of food, pharmaceuticals and entertainment are king. There are studies now that show young people would rather have access to internet than sunlight.
It is more important than ever that we explore our own consciousness and discover ourselves for who we truly are. Through practices such as the ones presented by Tony Wright and Graham Gynn, we may be able to solidify our understanding and resurrect our harmony within the universe.
-Arthur Schopenhauer
In the forward for the book Return to the Brain of Eden, Terence Mckenna’s brother, Dr. Dennis Mckenna, addresses the ridicule that ‘fringe’ scientists usually come under when presenting hypotheses that go against mainstream scientific theories.
“The history of science and intellectual inquiry teaches us that, as is so often the case with truly novel syntheses, established scientific and intellectual institutions are too ossified, and too invested in the conventionally accepted worldview, to allow the introduction of a new paradigm without putting up considerable resistance.”
Fortunately for the authors of Return to the Brain of Eden, Tony Wright and Graham Gynn, it is hard to concretely criticise or point blank reject and excommunicate researchers based off of unpopular theories when it comes to the spiritual aspects of consciousness.
The Scientific Grounding of Spirituality
The scientific study and attempt to pinpoint the self and consciousness may be a paradox due to the ever flowing and wave-like nature of such concepts. It is akin to Alan Watts’ description of a man staring at a pointing finger rather than the object to which the finger is pointing.
Wright and Gynn have conducted research revolving around horticulture, biochemistry, and zoology, to present a strong scientific basis and expand upon the evident connection between biological neurochemistry and spiritual consciousness. Along with their research, they have presented habits and lifestyles found across the world that are connected with higher levels of consciousness.
Our Shrinking and Imbalanced Brains
While our ancestors thrived in the forest some 600,000 - 150,000 years ago, brain growth skyrocketed. On average, forest dwelling Homo sapiens had brains 10% larger than today’s median. Not only were our brains larger, there is evidence that the frugivorous (mainly fruit) diet provided by the forest for our ape and hominid ancestors, led to higher pineal gland function, as well as a harmonious partnership between our left and right brains.
Today, most humans are left-brain dominant. We are analytical, language-driven, and we categorize and compartmentalize everything that is presented to us because our brains cannot cope with a mass of detail.
The ‘intuitive’ and creative functions of the right brain have been thrown to the wayside of modern biology. Along with this generational degradation and shift, the environment and diet we subject ourselves to on a daily basis, cements our fate. That is, if we as a species choose to continue down this path of arguable insanity.
Wright and Gynn present that most of our societal suffering stems from the lack of harmony within our highly intelligent brains. The loss of our symbiotic fruit-based diet has led to this degenerative condition riddled with aggressive behaviors, perspectives of fear and anxiety, and a suppression of our higher artistic and spiritual abilities. The hormone-rich sex organs of plants provided, over generations, the stimulating biochemical building blocks that led to rapid brain development and increased pineal gland activity. Once humans left the forest, and began the shift to hunting and gathering, and eventually agriculture, the degradation set in and has been compounded ever since.
The Golden Age Path
Can we return to the brain of Eden? Perhaps not today, but we can shift our lifestyles a bit to aid us on our path of spiritual and creative practice. Wright and Gynn subsist largely on a raw foods diet composed of fruits and vegetables. They present that the makeup of fruit, and its glycemic level is ideal for human biological function. Our brains run off of the glucose, the biochemicals aid proper and balanced hormone production, and the fiber makes for a happy “second brain” aka the gut.
Besides a raw foods diet, Wright and Gynn also outline a strategy involving tantric sexuality, shamanic practices including sleep deprivation, and the usage of entheogens/hallucinogens to reverse our neurodegeneration and restore our feelings of connectivity with the natural world.
Aleister Crowley, who dabbled in Eastern yoga and Western occultism, asserted that tantric sexual practice was the,
“quickest and easiest way for average Westerners to expand their consciousness.”
Spiritual philosophers such as Timothy Leary and Richard Alpert (aka Ram Dass) advocated for LSD enhanced sex, due to the heightening of all senses, and the total envelopment of one’s self during the experience. While Dass eventually decided that drugs in themselves were not the answer, and that ‘spiritual’ practices were more sustainable in heightening our consciousness, responsible and regulated use of entheogens can obviously still serve as a tool on our path, rather than a crutch.
DMT and Our Third Eye
DMT is a chemical that is naturally found in plants and animals. It is also one of the strongest psychedelic hallucinogens in the world. While it is produced naturally in our pineal gland, humans have regularly experimented with the perception-bending substance in many diverse cultures. Bizarre and extreme effects can come from high doses of DMT, but even the lowest of doses have the after affect of feelings of laughter and happiness.
A shortage of the chemical in the brain has been associated with depressed states. Wright and Gynn have also explored the possibility that DMT may not have as much influence with the strengthened left brain as it does with our weakened right brain.
Stress has been found to increase DMT production within the pineal gland, leading to naturally occurring hallucinations. Because of this implication, meditation, prayer, chanting and other shamanic practices, may be able to affect the pineal and shift the balance between the left and right hemispheres of the brain. It has been scientifically proven that people who meditate have higher connectivity and bigger brains than those who do not.
The Likelihood of Utopia
Are Wright and Gynn showing us that humanity can follow this spiritual path to a potential utopia? It depends on what your definition of utopia is. At the basic level of text, their book is merely a comparison of the ideal environment and practices our bodies should be subjected to, contrasted with all of the habitual failings of today’s society.
As individuals it is easy to recognize how out of harmony we are with ourselves and our world. We live in an environment where quantity rules over quality, and self-medication in the forms of food, pharmaceuticals and entertainment are king. There are studies now that show young people would rather have access to internet than sunlight.
It is more important than ever that we explore our own consciousness and discover ourselves for who we truly are. Through practices such as the ones presented by Tony Wright and Graham Gynn, we may be able to solidify our understanding and resurrect our harmony within the universe.
January 10, 2017
Perhaps one of the most important book on the subject. It is enough for merely half of it to be true...
January 4, 2016
It's an intriguing premise but the book is mostly a call to further research. Nearly all of the points in the book are couched in speculative language. I'm just going to pull a few at random from the book here "seem to be", "yet it may be", "it seems", "it appears", "it is quite possible", "could it be", "it would be intriguing to". If you are a researcher, the book may give you some ideas to explore. If you are a casual reader, it might encourage you to eat more fruit. You will encounter some interesting ideas, but be aware there aren't many answers here. Just some ideas that may or may not have merit.
May 11, 2015
Incredible book on how we evolved, and why our brain grew so big on a diet of fruit, and why we have devolved since leaving the forest and started eating other foods.
May 6, 2025
From the book, “The mythic traditions of paradise allude to our naked, forest-dwelling, fruit-eating past. Various cataclysmic disasters, portrayed in tales of floods, volcanic activity, and meteor impact, brought the days of perfection to an end. These disruptive, Earth-shattering events initiated a change in man. A single, divine self was split into two, and the more fallen, delusional self assumed overall control. The impetus to treat this condition and the ingenious techniques devised to access the suppressed "god side” of man gave rise to religions.” Such is the idyllic reduction of many variables down to one: diet change. Further it vilifies our species: “our inability to harmoniously coexist with each other and the increasingly rapid exploitation of the Earth suggest we really are suffering from a psychological malady”, ignoring that animals and insects the world over do not and have not “harmoniously coexisted”. And this, we are told, would be so improved if we ate more fruit. The book is written with a religious fanaticism, “This led to a complex of rare traits including increased longevity and, who knows, perhaps continual delight too. Maybe it was indeed a golden age when we lived as gods in a land abundant with fruit, consuming our cocktails of perpetual juvenility juice!” and a distinct delusion of some past existence with no suffering. We have a long way to go in understanding consciousness, and thus ourselves, and underutilized mind-body connections and environmental symbiosis. This book then offers something unique there, but it's illusions to a “divine” past and delusions of “supranormal abilities” should make you suspicious at best, cynical at most. That defeats some of the goals that could have been in this book. I suspect many of the shining reviews are vegans and/or new age advocates that are always looking for something “sciencey” to point at. This despite an abundance of references and citations in the book being from the 1960s, 70s and so on. E.g., the book cited work in 1984 on testosterone, while I did some poking around to find more modern studies on testosterone levels and whether it's unrelated to handedness or cerebral lateralization, so one wonders if we're up to date in this book (as of 2014 publishing) or cherry picking.
September 9, 2019
One of the greatest, most astounding and revelatory books I've read in all my life so far. The book helped me connect multiple disparate and far-flung dots in my mind pertaining to humanity's origins, diet and psychology and helped me find the closest approximations to 'answers' I've yet found for big questions like, "Where did we come from?", "Why does modern society seem out of balance?", "How did the human brain evolve?" "How did the human ego develop?", "What is humanity's natural diet?", "How do spiritual faculties like clairvoyance, clairaudience, telepathy and more arise?" and many more questions of similar intrigue. Reading this book was truly a mind-blowing experience and provided me with multiple 'pieces of the puzzle' as to how we got to where we find ourselves today and how to return to a more natural, 'higher' state of being and lifestyle.
June 24, 2019
My ratings of books on Goodreads are solely a crude ranking of their utility to me, and not an evaluation of literary merit, entertainment value, social importance, humor, insightfulness, scientific accuracy, creative vigor, suspensefulness of plot, depth of characters, vitality of theme, excitement of climax, satisfaction of ending, or any other combination of dimensions of value which we are expected to boil down through some fabulous alchemy into a single digit.
December 21, 2018
My New Bible
This book is a must read for anyone tryna get an understand of the WHY in about everything about life. It breaks down everything from the numerological system too digestive system and why we do things and see things on the outside
This book is a must read for anyone tryna get an understand of the WHY in about everything about life. It breaks down everything from the numerological system too digestive system and why we do things and see things on the outside
February 10, 2024
A fascinating take on an alternative history of our development as homo sapiens sapiens.
August 6, 2014
Pretty good. I think they're right about a lot of stuff. Was kinda disappointed with their critique of Elaine Morgan's work without much justification. Although it's odd, because even though they dismissed many of her ideas they then added her "Scars of Evolution" to their very short recommended reading list at the end. In any case this book has convinced me to modify my diet considerably and has made me more aware of my brain's information filtering mechanism. Recommended.
July 24, 2025
This book introduces a lot of new and fascinating ideas about the brain, and helped me look at myself and many things I observe around me in a new light, especially regarding left brain vs right brain functioning. Sometimes it feels a bit speculative and I’m not sure that I agree with everything that the author concludes, but this book definitely leaves me with a lot to think about!
March 13, 2016
Excellent exploration of our left brain/right brain functionality and how it affects our perception of reality.
April 5, 2018
It was okay. Extremely repetitive and based on hunches.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews