Timothy Leary

Date of Birth: October 22, 1920

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: May 31, 1996

Biography

Timothy Francis Leary was born on October 22, 1920, in Springfield, Massachusetts. He was an American psychologist and writer known for his advocacy of psychedelic drugs. Leary’s early career began in the field of psychology, where he worked as a clinical psychologist and conducted research at Harvard University. It was during his time at Harvard that he began to study the effects of psychedelic substances, which led to his controversial exploration and promotion of their use for therapeutic and spiritual growth. Leary’s most famous experiment was the Harvard Psilocybin Project, which aimed to study the effects of psilocybin mushrooms on human subjects. His work garnered significant public attention and led to his eventual dismissal from Harvard in 1963. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Leary became a symbol of the counterculture movement, advocating for the widespread use of psychedelics to expand consciousness and explore new realms of the human mind. Leary faced multiple legal challenges due to his advocacy and personal use of psychedelic substances, including several arrests and imprisonments. Despite these setbacks, he continued to write, lecture, and inspire generations of people interested in the potential of psychedelics for personal and societal transformation. Leary’s influence extended beyond the realm of psychology into popular culture, music, and the arts. He remained a polarizing figure throughout his life, celebrated by some as a visionary and condemned by others as a reckless proponent of drug use. Timothy Leary passed away on May 31, 1996, leaving behind a complex legacy that continues to spark debate and inspire scientific inquiry into the potential benefits of psychedelic substances.

5 Interesting Facts about Timothy Leary

1. Timothy Leary coined the famous phrase “Turn on, tune in, drop out.”

2. He ran for governor of California in 1970 but lost to Ronald Reagan.

3. Leary was imprisoned multiple times for drug-related offenses and famously escaped from prison in 1970.

4. He collaborated with notable figures such as Aldous Huxley and Richard Alpert (later known as Ram Dass).

5. Leary’s ashes were sent into space aboard a Pegasus rocket in 1997.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Timothy Leary

1. “The universe is an intelligence test.”

2. “Think for yourself and question authority.”

3. “You’re only as young as the last time you changed your mind.”

4. “Intelligence is the ultimate aphrodisiac.”

5. “Turn on, tune in, drop out.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Timothy Leary’s estimated net worth was around $1 million.

Children

Timothy Leary had three children. His first child, Susan Leary, was born from his first marriage to Marianne Busch. His second child, Jack Leary, was born from his marriage to Mary DellaCrosse. Later, he adopted his third child, Zachary Leary, who became a notable writer and speaker.