Join “A Drink with the Idler” as we chat to Michael Pollan about a journey into consciousness

Time Magazine named Michael Pollan as one of the hundred most influential people in the world.  He is an award-winning author, activist and journalist and his new book, A World Appears: A Journey Into Consciousness is the story of the quest to solve the greatest mystery in nature: consciousness.

Pollan explores consciousness as a simple fact – that it feels like something to be alive. This remains one of life’s deepest mysteries, raising questions about how thoughts, feelings, and a sense of self arise. In A World Appears, Michael Pollan explores this enigma from scientific, philosophical, spiritual, historical, and psychedelic perspectives, seeking insight into the nature of our inner lives. Venturing beyond traditional brain research, he engages with cutting-edge thinkers, from plant neurobiologists to AI researchers and novelists. He works to reveal the surprising complexity of awareness and the profound depths of human experience.

The discussion between Michael and Idler editor Tom Hodgkinson will be followed by a live Q&A when you will be given the chance to ask Michael your own questions.

We’ll have a philosophical “Thought for the Week” from Dr Mark Vernon and the event will be hosted by Idler Academy director Victoria Hull.

This is an online event. It should be like meeting up in the pub for an interesting conversation. We leave the meeting open at the end so you can carry on chatting about the subject with others in the audience.

Michael Pollan is an award-winning author, activist and journalist. His international best-selling books about the way we live today –including How to Change Your Mind, This Is Your Mind on Plants, In Defence of Food and The Omnivore’s Dilemma­ – combine meticulous reporting with anthropology, philosophy, culture, health and natural history. Time Magazine has named him one of the hundred most influential people in the world. He lives in the Bay Area of California with his wife.

Tom Hodgkinson is editor of the Idler and author of the best-selling manuals, How to Be Idle and How to Be Free. Other publications include a book on parenting, the Ukulele Handbook and a manual for creative entrepreneurs, Business for Bohemians.

Dr Mark Vernon is a psychotherapist, writer, broadcaster, and teacher. He presents several Idler Academy online courses. He has a PhD in philosophy, and degrees in theology and physics. His most recent books include The Idler Guide to Ancient Philosophy (Idler Books), Love: All that Matters (Hodder) and Jung: How to Believe (Guardian Shorts) – and he has books on friendship, belief and the good life too. Mark can often be heard on Radio 4’s Moral Maze. He began his professional life as a priest in the Church of England. For more, visit markvernon.com.

Victoria Hull is director of the Idler Academy, producing the Idler’s live and online events and courses.