This article analyses and critiques Alexander “Sasha” Shulgin’s famous lecture on the meaning of life and why he dedicated his career to studying psychedelics. The review delves into Shulgin’s exploration of the balance between life and death instincts, the limitations of psychotomimetic terminology, and the parallels he draws between scientific discovery and spiritual growth. This thought-provoking analysis sheds light on Shulgin’s philosophy and his belief in the power of psychedelics as tools for understanding the human mind.