This category is about observations of the world at large & an understanding of the human psychology applied to larger social and cultural issues.
A discussion of Sharon Angell’s two-part article from the New York Review of Books, in which she discusses recent volumes by Robert Whitaker, Irving Kirsch and Daniel Carlat addressing the chemical imbalance theory of mental illness, along with the influence of Big Pharma upon the psychiatric profession.
Three Books about the Chemical Imbalance Theory of Mental Illness Read More »
Greg Mortenson’s fraud upon the American public, recently exposed by Steve Kroft on ’60 Minutes’, catered to our weakness for a sentimental view of the world, with an all-white hero whose saintly deeds evoked a misty-eyed response that made us reach for our checkbooks.
60 Minutes and Greg Mortenson’s Fraud: The Power of Sentimentality Read More »
A discussion of the ubiquitous experience of shame in *civilized* cultures and why it is sometimes appropriate to feel shamed.
When Is It Appropriate to Feel Shame? Read More »
What we consider “moral behavior” can be motivated by religious beliefs, an inherited set of values, empathy and enlightened self-interest. The appearance of extreme virtue may mask highly “immoral” and destructive feelings through the process of splitting and projection.
Do You Want to Be a ‘Good’ Person? Read More »
In the long-term, patients who have never been exposed to psychiatric medication have a much better prognosis than those who were placed on drugs.
There is absolutely no scientific evidence to support the theory that mental illness is a result of an imbalance in brain chemistry.
“You Have a Chemical Imbalance in Your Brain” (Big Lie No. 1) Read More »
A discussion of Amy Chua’s book, Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother, some useful lessons to be drawn about realistic expectations for ourselves and our children, and how to meet them without resorting to cruelty and perfectionism.
Lessons from Amy Chua, the Tiger Mother Read More »
Charlie Sheen’s rant on The Alex Jones Show and how it demonstrates the characteristic defenses against shame, including features of pathological narcissism.
Charlie Sheen’s Rant and the Power of Destructive Narcissism Read More »
The false analogy between diagnosing physical and mental illness provides a rationale for reimbursement from insurance companies to psychotherapists, helps alleviate shame in patients and enables the pharmaceutical companies to make billions of dollars.
The Fallacies of Psychological Diagnosis Read More »
In modern American society, a large number of people pursue the twin cults of celebrity and romantic love as the sole sources of meaning in life.
Celebrity and Romantic Love: “Meaning” in the Modern World Read More »