Terence McKenna was born on November 16, 1946, in Paonia, Colorado, and passed away on April 3, 2000. He was an American ethnobotanist, philosopher, author, and advocate for the responsible use of psychedelic substances. McKenna's intellectual pursuits led him to explore the intersections of consciousness, shamanism, and the impact of psychedelics on human evolution.

He gained prominence for his "Stoned Ape Theory," proposing that the use of psychedelic mushrooms played a role in the evolution of human cognition. McKenna's engaging speaking style and prolific writing, including books like "Food of the Gods" and "The Archaic Revival," made him a prominent figure in the psychedelic and countercultural movements.

His advocacy for the exploration of altered states of consciousness and his theories about time and novelty, such as the Timewave Zero hypothesis, have left a lasting impact on discussions surrounding consciousness and the human experience. Terence McKenna's legacy endures through his thought-provoking ideas and his contributions to the dialogue on the nature of reality and the potential of psychedelic experiences.