Humans have been experimenting with mind-altering plants for thousands of years. Modern drugs such as opium were used in Europe 5,700 BCand cannabis seeds began to appear in archaeological excavations in Asia About 10,000 years agoSome studies show that psychotropic plants and medicines were used by ancient humans long ago. 200 million years ago.
While stumbling may seem like a desire only for humans, some of our closest great ape relatives may find ways to switch states of mind. About the published research Primates, researchers watched 40 videos of great apes whirling around just to get dizzy. And we think these behaviors are clues as to why people have often sought innovative ways to get a little high and drunk, and what you have in store.
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“All cultures have found ways to escape reality through dedicated and special rituals, practices, or rituals,” said study author Adriano Lameira, associate professor of psychology at the University of Warwick. teeth, said in a press release“This human trait of seeking altered states is so universal, both historically and culturally, that it raises the intriguing possibility that it has been implicitly inherited from our evolutionary ancestors.” arises.”
Inspired by videos of male gorillas spinning in pools, the researchers found dozens of videos of gorillas, chimpanzees, bonobos and orangutans whirling around on ropes and vines. The researchers then analyzed the movements and found that the ape turned 5.5 times per session on average, and the average speed he turned 1.5 times per second. He then repeated this session three times in a row for most of the animals. According to the author, this is about as fast as a professional dancer, a circus his artist, a Muslim dervish rotates.
The apes themselves are often more dizzy after twirling, more likely to be dizzy and lose their balance. I tested it and actually had a hard time reaching the 3rd round due to dizziness.
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Previous research into why humans crave self-induced dizziness has focused on alcohol and drug use, but the authors of this study argue that simple spinning deserves a deeper look. Ultimately, the ability to create or find mind-altering substances requires knowledge, skills, and tools that humans and predecessors may or may not have had access to, Lameira adds. Additionally, since most of the recorded videos are of captive apes, there may be a link between mental state and boredom.
“What we sought to understand through this study is whether rotation can be studied as a primitive behavior that our human ancestors could have engaged autonomously and exploited other states of consciousness. “If all great apes want dizziness, chances are good our ancestors do too.”