Read the Never-Before-Published Letter From LSD-Inventor Albert Hofmann to Apple CEO Steve Jobs

The following post is adapted from the new book "This Is Your Country On Drugs: The Secret History of Getting High in America." The letter is published with the permission of the estate of LSD-inventor Albert Hofmann. For more on events related to the book, see the Facebook page or follow Ryan Grim on Twitter.

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Steve Jobs has never been shy about his use of psychedelics, famously calling his LSD experience "one of the two or three most important things I have done in my life." So, toward the end of his life, LSD inventor Albert Hofmann decided to write to the iPhone creator to see if he'd be interested in putting some money where the tip of his tongue had been.

Hofmann penned a never-before-disclosed letter in 2007 to Jobs at the behest of his friend Rick Doblin, who runs an organization dedicated to studying the medical and psychiatric benefits of psychedelic drugs. Hofmann, a Swiss chemist, died in April 2008 at the age of 102.

See the letter here.

Written just after his 101st birthday, the letter's penmanship is impressive for a man of his years. I showed it to my grandmother, Ruth Grim, who was 8 years Hofmann's junior and did amateur handwriting analysis as long as Hofmann had been tripping. Without knowing who he was, she said in an e-mail that "something happened early in his life that made him twisted about things. Maybe he felt threatened. Also--creative with his hands, hard on himself, thinks a lot, stubborn, careful with the way he expresses himself, not influenced by other's thinking."

Doblin says Hofmann often said he had a happy childhood and wouldn't characterize him as twisted. Hofmann, for his own part, often referred to LSD as his own "problem child" and in his letter he asks Jobs to "help in the transformation of my problem child into a wonderchild."

He specifically asks Jobs to fund research being proposed by Swiss psychiatrist Peter Gasser and directs Jobs to Doblin's Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies.
Doblin and Hofmann were close; Doblin gave the doctor his first tab of ecstasy in the '80s when it was still legal, he says, and Hofmann loved it, saying that finally he'd found a drug he could enjoy with his wife, no fan of LSD.

Doblin provided a copy of the letter to me; Hofmann's son, Andreas Hofmann, executor of his father's estate, authorized its publication.

The letter led to a roughly 30-minute conversation between Doblin and Jobs, says Doblin, but no contribution to the cause. "He was still thinking, 'Let's put it in the water supply and turn everybody on,'" recalls a disappointed Doblin, who says he still hasn't given up hope that Jobs will come around and contribute.

That Jobs used LSD and values the contribution it made to his thinking is far from unusual in the world of computer technology. Psychedelic drugs have influenced some of America's foremost computer scientists. The history of this connection is well documented in a number of books, the best probably being What the Dormouse Said: How the 60s Counterculture Shaped the Personal Computer, by New York Times technology reporter John Markoff.

Psychedelic drugs, Markoff argues, pushed the computer and Internet revolutions forward by showing folks that reality can be profoundly altered through unconventional, highly intuitive thinking. Douglas Engelbart is one example of a psychonaut who did just that: he helped invent the mouse. Apple's Jobs has said that Microsoft's Bill Gates, would "be a broader guy if he had dropped acid once." In a 1994 interview with Playboy, however, Gates coyly didn't deny having dosed as a young man.

Thinking differently--or learning to Think Different, as a Jobs slogan has it--is a hallmark of the acid experience. "When I'm on LSD and hearing something that's pure rhythm, it takes me to another world and into anther brain state where I've stopped thinking and started knowing," Kevin Herbert told Wired magazine at a symposium commemorating Hofmann's one hundredth birthday. Herbert, an early employee of Cisco Systems who successfully banned drug testing of technologists at the company, reportedly "solved his toughest technical problems while tripping to drum solos by the Grateful Dead."

"It must be changing something about the internal communication in my brain," said Herbert. "Whatever my inner process is that lets me solve problems, it works differently, or maybe different parts of my brain are used."

Burning Man, founded in 1986 by San Francisco techies, has always been an attempt to make a large number of people use different parts of their brains toward some nonspecific but ostensibly enlightening and communally beneficial end. The event was quickly moved to the desert of Nevada as it became too big for the city. Today, it's more likely to be attended by a software engineer than a dropped-out hippie. Larry Page and Sergey Brin, the founders of Google, are longtime Burners, and the influence of San Francisco and Seattle tech culture is everywhere in the camps and exhibits built for the eight-day festival. Its Web site suggests, in fluent acidese, that "[t]rying to explain what Burning Man is to someone who has never been to the event is a bit like trying to explain what a particular color looks like to someone who is blind."

At the 2007 event, I set up my tent at Camp Shift--as in "Shift your consciousness"--next to four RVs rented by Alexander and Ann Shulgin and their septu- and octagenarian friends from northern California. The honored elders, the spiritual mothers and fathers of Burning Man, they spent the nights sitting on plastic chairs and giggling until sunrise. Near us, a guy I knew from the Eastern Shore--an elected county official, actually--had set up a nine-and-half-hole miniature golf course. Why nine and a half? "Because it's Burning Man," he explained. Our camp featured lectures on psychedelics and a "ride" called "Dance, Dance, Immolation." Players would don a flame-retardant suit and try to dance to the flashing lights. Make a mistake, and you would be engulfed in flames. The first entry on the FAQ sign read, "Is this safe? A: Probably not."

John Gilmore was the fifth employee at Sun Microsystems and registered the domain name Toad.com in 1987. A Burner and well-known psychonaut, he's certainly one of the mind-blown rich. Today a civil-liberties activist, he's perhaps best known for Gilmore's Law, his observation that "[t]he Net interprets censorship as damage and routes around it." He told me that most of his colleagues in the sixties and seventies used psychedelic drugs. "What psychedelics taught me is that life is not rational. IBM was a very rational company," he said, explaining why the corporate behemoth was overtaken by upstarts such as Apple. Mark Pesce, the coinventor of virtual reality's coding language, VRML, and a dedicated Burner, agreed that there's some relationship between chemical mind expansion and advances in computer technology: "To a man and a woman, the people behind [virtual reality] were acidheads," he said.

Gilmore doubts, however, that a strict cause-and-effect relationship between drugs and the Internet can be proved. The type of person who's inspired by the possibility of creating new ways of storing and sharing knowledge, he said, is often the same kind interested in consciousness exploration. At a basic level, both endeavors are a search for something outside of everyday reality--but so are many creative and spiritual undertakings, many of them strictly drug-free. But it's true, Gilmore noted, that people do come to conclusions and experience revelations while tripping. Perhaps some of those revelations have turned up in programming code.

And perhaps in other scientific areas, too. According to Gilmore, the maverick surfer/chemist Kary Mullis, a well-known LSD enthusiast, told him that acid helped him develop the polymerase chain reaction, a crucial breakthrough for biochemistry. The advance won him the Nobel Prize in 1993. And according to reporter Alun Reese, Francis Crick, who discovered DNA along with James Watson, told friends that he first saw the double-helix structure while tripping on LSD.

It's no secret that Crick took acid; he also publicly advocated the legalization of marijuana. Reese, who reported the story for a British wire service after Crick's death, said that when he spoke with Crick about what he'd heard from the scientist's friends, he "listened with rapt, amused attention" and "gave no intimation of surprise. When I had finished, he said, 'Print a word of it and I'll sue.'"

The letter from Hofmann to Jobs, transcribed below if you have difficulty viewing:

DearSteve -

Dear Mr. Steve Jobs,

Hello from Albert Hofmann. I understand from media accounts that you feel LSD helped you creatively in your development of Apple computers and your personal spiritual quest. I'm interested in learning more about how LSD was useful to you.

I'm writing now, shortly after my 101st birthday, to request that you support Swiss psychiatrist Dr. Peter Gasser's proposed study of LSD-assisted psychotherapy in subjects with anxiety associated with life-threatening illness. This will become the first LSD-assisted psychotherapy study in over 35 years.

I hope you will help in the transformation of my problem child into a wonder child.

Sincerely,

A. Hofmann

* * * * *

Dear Rick,

Thank you for all you do for my problem child. I am pleased to add whatever I can do from my part.

I learned much from your great letter, to do things after waiting for the right moment, how clever and careful you organize and do your work.

I do hope that my letter to Steve Jobs corresponds to your expectation, especially what regards the choice of the writing paper. [Doblin had asked Hofmann to use his personal letterhead. It's not what you're thinking.] I believe that I followed your prescription.

Hopefully Dr. Gasser will be successful with his request.

Cordially -

Albert

Comments

[GreenEyedGuru]

Rich people break the laws of the land and get a free pass.. If he was a black teenager with a couple tabs of LSD in his glove compartment they'd probably throw him in jail for 20 years.

[BetteB]

Accurate perception GreenEyedGuru; credit score is the new skin color. You know what GURU is an acronym for? Gee, you are you. G U R U
Love
Bette

[Poorsarah]

Kirlian photo...cool.

[kenlog]

This chemical treat taught me a lot about how things work (physics) and how things do not work (religion).

Take from it what you will, and do it with care.

[StephenJK]

TOTALLY AGREE!

[BetteB]

kenlog, if you want to know how physics really works think of it as a sub-set of a larger set. Physics as most physicists understand it, where they are stopped in their understanding when they believe they have gone as far as possible, is so much more interesting when actually understood in the big picture of reality. We are nonphysical consciousness, a digital information system, and LSD allows a peek at this reality. The person who discovered this did it completely without drugs, but for some people this particular drug seems to be effective in allowing a broader reality to shine through. His name is Tom Campbell, he wrote a book/trilogy called "My Big TOE", if you are interested.
Love
Bette

[Goliadkin]

I tripped a couple of times, on peyote and other plant-based psychedelics, and it was a valuable experience. I believe it enhanced my intelligence and creativity, and I'm sure it launched me on a life-long quest for non-chemical, self-activated methods of consciousness expansion. In the end learned to "trip" on my own body and breath, on my relationships with other people, with Mother Earth, and with that highest principle of cosmic order that some choose to call God.

I never took LSD in the 60s because it seemed too risky to me--who knew what they were cooking up in those clandestine labs? I was into macrobiotics and organically-grown food. I wasn't going to pollute my body with some amateur pharmaceuticals! My sense of self-preservation was too strong, I guess.

However, my best friend used to gobble up psychedelics like they were candy. Now he has Parkinson's disease. I often wonder if some impurities or toxins in those drugs he took may have contributed to the troubles he's having now. Anyway, he's holding up really well, and continuing to lead a rich and noble life despite the disease.

I honor Albert Hoffman. I think he was a great pioneer.

[seagrape]

WaRniNg...!
LSD is Extremely potent, hallucinogenic, and a major mind drug.
It is not a fun and games recreational experience.
Please be very careful.
Native American ritual use of hallucinogens is ceremonial, religious, and ingested with elder guides for the purposes of healing, becoming closer to God, and Nature. I know the medecine was used for healing people shattered by war, and other traumas.
If you have never taken this drug you might want to think twice.
Why? There are those among us who may not be able to handle this experience, and they need to be warned ahead of time. There are those, honestly speaking, who may be forever hurt. Why go through misery? If you are very strong, and determined, create a well thought out protected situation for yourself, and have someone who will take care of you while you go through the trip. Be respectful. have some humility. LSD is Surfing Jaws to Marijuana's boogie boarding. Do not take that as a challenge.
Others with experience please post here.

[Cybersquirt]

there were good trips and bad trips. good ones were awe-inspiring, bad ones were downright frightening.

[Cybersquirt]

and Only trip with people you trust.

[eplebneesta]

As Leary said: "Set and setting."
And you should say, or so I have heard ;-), if things go wrong:
"It's only a drug. It's only a drug. It's only a drug. It's only a drug..."

And, no, people can't fly ;-)

E Pleb Neesta
GODISNOWHERE
Blessed are the cheese makers.

[surfyogi]

Get your facts straight. Very oriented around dosage, don't do too much first time.

Very safe in trusted setting; people that care about you. Take early, keeps you from sleeping taken at night. Don't drive, walk in nature, lots of water, no appetite.

Is safe; takes such a small dose, measured in micrograms, most others require milligrams to have any perceived effect, thus even if it was poison, would have no affect, dose is far too small..

Find trusted source, experiment on yourself carefully, take small doses of something never tried before, verify it is what you think it is. Plan happy setting with music/ video allowing introspection.

Has done wonders for alcoholics, allowing clear vision of their self destruction. (Wake up, you are being stupid!)

Much potential to learn, redirect energies into positive aspects of life, don't allow ney-sayers to ruin wonderful potential with tails of "bad trips", adulterated substances; dosage is too small to hurt you, and if it's the real thing, wow! Enjoy knowing yourself in a new way..

Wonderful memories watching Alegro Non Troppo, Joni Mitchell, old Disney movies; being, introspection. Bad trip if exposed to Death Metal music, horror films; don't do that...

Some say don't look in a mirror, but I loved looking at myself while tripping, but that's me.

[StephenJK]

Yeah, my first time was with a couple friends and a quarter dose (very small). I hardly tripped. But, it was like dipping my toes into the pool of water to test it's temperature. VERY important step, indeed. Next time I took a full one. Never laughed as much in a corner store since. Life became something totally brand new. Everything was interesting. Especially interacting with people who had no idea I was tripping. The natural world became even more beautiful. Everything was vibrant, shiny and new. Laughter was highly contagious and no reason was needed for it. It just came flooding out in waves. No nervousness about it. No discomfort. There is so much to it every time. It's different every time. I don't think I'll ever stop tripping. It's ultimately a humbling experience of joyous confusion and wonderment.

TRUST YOUR SOURCE! DONT OVERDO IT! LAUGH A LOT!

[ECBA88]

Agreed, I did the same thing.

[Goliadkin]

"LSD is Surfing Jaws to Marijuana's boogie boarding."

This stoner/surfer/seeker is LOL. Metaphor of the month!

[spaul]

Wholeheartedly agree!
DO NOT TRIP IF YOU DON'T LIKE TO LOSE CONTROL. (People with control issues need not apply.) Yeah, mindset & setting are KEY.
All of the advice you offer is very useful. Anybody mulling over trippin' should take the advice!
Altering one's consciousness opens doors of perception one didn't even know were there. This is NOT something to casually dabble in. A bad trip can really traumatize you.
The idea is to broaden your horizons: get in touch with the vastness that is this consciousness; experience the interconnectedness of things; learn more about yourself; laugh & enjoy the trip. It does end in a few hours--it's not forever, but you will come away changed.

So as Hunter would have said: Buy the ticket, take the ride.....

[StephenJK]

YES! Letting go of control is a HUGE realization of it! Loss of control will teach you many things about yourself and the world around you.

[PCMinistry]

I did LSD probably 10-15 times a year, each year that I was in college (5). I'm convinced it enables you to make previously unlikely mental connections. The thoughts you have while you are tripping leak into your sober life and open doors of creativity. It really is "expansion". While I've seen some react not as well to it, in that it wasn't particularly beneficial; I've not been close to anyone who was really and permanently damaged. Though we've all heard the stories haven't we? Regardless I agree with Jobs when he says it was one of the more important things he has done in his life and I don't regret a minute of it. Wow, now I just want to go listen to some Floyd, maybe Atom Heart Mother, yeah, that sounds good.

[andip]

I knew a guy that did too much LSD and while it was truely facinating to listen to the bizare ideas that came out of his mouth, doctor were surprised that he was still living because they said his brain was fried. I couldn't imagine this guy being a productive member of society but, hey, everything in moderation, I'd love to give it a go.

[Bongborg]

Try to get the doctors to use less technical jargon if they ever have to diagnose you.

[BetteB]

andip, his contribution to society was as an example of what not to do, perhaps. There was a person in my town who, per legend, made and then took too much. He has a name, and I know his sister, so it is probably true. He short circuited his physical brain as well.
Love
Bette

[NoSillyName]

Brain literally "fried" by acid! Who'da thunk it?

[lurkmode]

squares would be very surprised what achievements have been devised with the use of hallucinogenic drugs.

LSD is an amazing thing for sure!

[pepenero]

Did LSD once and it was quite an experience. I suffered no harm from it and gained a few insights, for example, the world became a much more beautiful place, nature even more so, and it remains so to this day.

Also did peyote the experience was very much like that of LSD.

It is important for those of you wanting to try these drugs to be sure to prepare yourself ahead of time. Spend a few days relaxing and thinking about what a good trip it will be. Surround yourself with a good friend or two, lots of fresh fruit and some pleasant music. Make sure that your environment is a pleasing one.

If you are in any way depressed, in a bad mood, or any other negative, do not go tripping! You will be in Hell if you do.

[jacknab]

I* was confusing LSD with LDS, (Latter Day Saints). No wonder my trips were such bummers. Better late than never to correct a mistake.

[MichaelMcKLA]

I'm quite sure those folks should never try it.

[NoSillyName]

funny.

[Derelict outlaw]

I'm certain that the use of LSD or other organic (I prefer organic) hallucinogens could be the answer to the pathological narcissism of our culture.

It temporarily disintegrates the personality and permits one to reintegrate and reshape the personality as it coalesces and you come down, change is possible in those moments and the humility gained never ever leaves you.

That realization of your own relative unimportance in the greater scheme takes like 60 years of meditation and isolation without the drug.

Narcissism has become the hysteria of our culture and is extremely detrimental toa sense of community, ask any teacher dealing with kids today.

[HistoryGeek]

yep! when I took LSD I lost my sense of self (my ego); it was replaced by the spiritual network that binds us all together. It is a real remedy against narcissism cuz it shows you there really is no such thing as your ego - it is an illusion. It can be scary but very edifying.

[HistoryGeek]

yep! when I took L S D I lost my sense of self (my ego); it was replaced by the s p i r i t u a l network that binds us all together. It is a real remedy against n a r c i s s i s m cuz it shows you there really is no such thing as your e g o - it is an i l l u s i o n. It can be s c a r y but very edifying.

[heroine addict]

...once one realizes that the ego is simply a temporary construct, there is no longer a fear of "losing it".

[Mike Barden]

the American Indians took psycho-delics, but not ALL the time.

AC?DC>"i'm a live-wire"

[Derelict outlaw]

See, that's what's wrong with America today. These kids coming up can't find any acid. I know I can't.

We have an entire generation that has never turned on tuned in and dropped out running things and man are they uptight.

Wars and regime change, and subversion of freedom and civil liberty, enormous walk backs of the bill of rights.

TURN ON, TUNE IN, DROP OUT.

[Mike Barden]

what they do do, 'specially in urban areas, seems destructive to me.

[LeaderofMen]

This was bizarre, interesting and quite refreshing. As much as I'm an Apple fanboy, too, I was utterly unaware that Jobs has unabashedly dosed.

You go, Steve!

[Neurowaxx]

What I'm interested in would be the effects of DMT in near-death experiences and the concept of spirituality in the human brain. DMT is secreted in tiny amounts naturally by the pinneal gland in the brain. DMT research needs to be brought into more mainstream science.

[James Markopoulos]

there's a good book called DMT: The Spirit Molecule, by Dr. Rick Strassman. I suggest you read it, if you are really interested in the effects.

[heroine addict]

...seek the Ayahuasca spirit for further clarification.

[racetoinfinity]

Cary Grant, Aldous Huxley, and many others testified to the theraputic and mind-soul-spirit expanding awareness that LSD granted them. In a controlled setting, it still can be a miracle (organic) drug. This was until it became illegal, and became, for too many, nothing more than a recreational drug, wasting its precious gifts of catalyzing higher awareness.

[Mike Barden]

if ya do it too much it ain't recreational.

[Derelict outlaw]

The cool thing is that everyone arrives at a place where they just will know (being now so in touch spiritually) that they've done enough, for now, but I've always thought that I would need to perhaps revisit that disintegration and powerful vehicle of change later in life to prepare me for that ultimate trip.

[SolarPowerGuy]

Great read. Too honest for Americans.