Norman Ohler: Hitler, Nazis, Drugs, WW2, Blitzkrieg, LSD, MKUltra & CIA | Lex Fridman Podcast #481

In this episode of the Lex Fridman Podcast, Norman Ohler, author of "Blitzed: Drugs in the Third Reich," discusses the role of psychoactive drugs, particularly methamphetamine, in Nazi Germany during World War II. Ohler details the cultural context of drug use in Germany, contrasting the alcohol-fueled Nazi movement in Munich with the diverse drug scene in Berlin. The conversation explores the use of Pervitin by German soldiers during the Blitzkrieg, Hitler's personal drug use under Dr. Morell, and the complexities of assigning moral responsibility for war crimes committed under the influence. Ohler also touches on his book, "The Bohemians," which tells the story of German resistance against the Nazis, and previews his upcoming book, "Stoned Sapiens," which examines the history of human civilization through the lens of drug use.