Ryan Sottoway

I began my academic career as a psychology student. I have always been fascinated with the mind's ability to create the world that we experience. For this reason, I have also always been fascinated with the ways that we can manipulate, distort, and seemingly enter further into this reality. My studies in psychology revealed to me much about the biochemistry, neural networks, and conditioning that comprise human consciousness. I also extensively studied the ways in which substances have been utilized throughout all times to alter this consciousness for reasons of pleasure, ecstasy, pain relief and seemingly for spiritual intentions. These ideas led me to continue my studies and pursue a second degree in philosophy. I chose to study philosophy to gain a better understanding of the reasons why we as a society have arrived at the current thought patterns that comprise the collectively conscious mind, responsible for those things we declare seemingly normal. My studies have given me a very broad perspective and a deep understanding of the complexity regarding our human species and human nature. I also have a deep appreciation for our ability to understand this species and nature, alter it as we will and in the process comprehend more about ourselves and reality in doing so. Understanding our species and its nature revealed to me much of the social injustice that is still rampant within society today. There are many social ills that need remedied and one such plague is that of drug crime and addiction. We have made criminals out of individuals suffering from mental health issues as an unforeseeable consequence of biochemistry and mental instability. The health of our planet is in jeopardy because the health of our species has been compromised. For this reason, I hope to use what I have learned in my academic studies along with the experiences that life has given to me and instigate my part in working to eliminate those injustices that I feel deeply moved by.