So, what's up with the term "psychonaut" anyway?

[Negro-kitty]

I think it's a straight up pretentious term used by pretentious people. (My opinion, not meant to inflame, but just to respond to CMB's query.)

 

[deviate]

It's not even a label really, such as 'stoner', just ...a descriptive term

why isn't stoner a descriptive term? my friends and i smoke weed several times a day every day, thus we can be described as stoners (a stoner being someone who smokes a lot of weed). is there more to this word i'm aware of?

 

[Zappa]

Everyone who takes psychedelics and takes a lot of them and tries to learn from them should know that labeling is bullshit, and that words don't mean shit anyway

 

[phucifer]

i think agree with you mostly, but i think that most people say psychonaut to try to show that they dont just do pyschedelics to get fucked up but for some enlightenment or self-growth. i dont take acid to get fucked up but i've never caught myself ever using the word psychonaut it just makes people feel better about them selves like they're better than just the common junky

 

[kbee]

why isn't stoner a descriptive term? my friends and i smoke weed several times a day every day, thus we can be described as stoners (a stoner being someone who smokes a lot of weed). is there more to this word i'm aware of?

You're right, 'stoner' is a descriptive term, as 'psychonaut' is. The difference is, I don't think someone could call another person a 'psychonaut'. 'Psychonaut' is more of a self-proclaimed type deal, opposed to 'stoner' which isnt always the case.

-kb

 

[Symmetrical Daze]

I find no problem with the term, but if someone said "I'm a psychonaut" it would probably sound stupid, but depending on the person. If Dr. Shulgin said that I wouldn't have a problem.

I agree with this:

Psychonaut sounds ever so much better than acid freak or mushroom head.

And i think it is a fine word to use to describe someone who has had lots of experience with psychedelics, and those people i have respect for, unless they are real crazy.