Most people don't prioritize self-augmentation; their aspirations lean towards contentment, stability, and the quintessential 'normal life'. The pursuit of self-enhancement often isn't intrinsically rewarding unless one has a predisposition towards it, and even with the impetus, the outcome might not provide the satisfaction one anticipated, or worse.

As for the so-called 'elite' demographic, I will simply say : "Not for lack of trying". (there is this book : "Stealing Fire" [1]). On ancient methods of improvement, it's crucial to note the difference between (super)wisdom and (super)intelligence. But that's a conversation for another time.

[1] https://www.amazon.com/Stealing-Fire-Maverick-Scientists-Rev...

This recent interview [1] with Jamie Wheal, co-author of Stealing Fire [2] is worth watching if you're interested in this topic.

He's observed the psychedelic "revolution" in recent years, and has both positive and negative things to say about it, but on the whole he's deeply pessimistic about where it seems to be going.

His observations about fashion-driven, Instagram-performative "enlightenment", and the propensity for a little bit of enlightenment to lead one down dangerous paths (including charging big money to lead others down the same dangerous path), are resonant for me, having been through the journey myself and seen it from both sides.

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkPB33bD3hQ

[2] https://www.amazon.com/Stealing-Fire-Maverick-Scientists-Rev...