52 pages 1 hour read

The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2022

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Summary and Study Guide

Overview

The Myth of Normal is a 2022 work of psychology, medicine, and social critique by Gabor Maté, a Canadian Hungarian author and physician, co-authored with Maté's son, Daniel. The book investigates why Western nations have seen a rise in health problems, such as diabetes and auto-immune diseases, despite the vast resources invested in their healthcare systems. Maté addresses this question by looking at the nature of Western culture, medicine, and childcare. He argues that the culture of materialism and individualism rooted in capitalist, industrial modernity has caused excess stress and trauma and has led to a rise in illness. Finally, Maté looks at how such illness can be countered on an individual and societal level. He argues that we can restore the interpersonal connections and authenticity that have been lost in modern culture by cultivating essential human qualities.

This guide uses the 2022 Vermilion edition of the text.

Summary

The Myth of Normal is divided into 33 chapters and an Introduction, and five parts. In Part 1, Maté asks why, despite the advances of modern medicine, health in the West is deteriorating. His answer is that we live in a toxic culture with illness-inducing factors, such as social isolation and excess stress.

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