Where "Anatomy of an Illness" posed the questions, this book poses answers. Norman Cousins (1915–1990) was an American political journalist, author, world peace ambassador and advocate, and Professor in the School of Medicine, UCLA, although was not a medical doctor.

The greatest force for healing a biological condition is "hope". The details of Cousin's obsession, and the importance of relationships, the chemical wonder of the human brain, and healing. Analyses "hope", fear, guilt, illness, laughter, medical error, hypnotism, firewalking, physicians in history and literature, and the biology in belief ("belief becomes biology"[281].

Many gems, although I gather that the undefined audience for this reprisal of his ideas is the policy-legislating committee within himself.

Includes the text of the 1985 report of the Committee on Nutrition in Medical Education [302]. With Glossary, Notes and Index.

GEMS:

Just as scientists are divided, so humanists are split on the issues of human values. the pint is that the real division isno longer between science and the humanities--the two cultures described by scientist-philosopher C.P. Snow--but between those who attach primary importance to human life and those who view their own discipline as sovereign. [194]

We already knew that medicine was not that much fun, but that fun was good medicine. Here, Cousins connects laughter to more bettter outcomes, and by contrast, to the measured effects of anger and fear.[134, 138-139]

Now, not just humor, but music, art, and literature are being used in the treatment of the seriously ill. [137]

Instead of flowers, consider send the patient a funny novel, a book of jokes, a silly toy, a humorous audiotape and portable recorder.... New Yorker cartoons...mobiled, homemade silly sculptures, comical photos...scenic view on the window...

Ex: "Dieting--the triumph of mind over platter."

A very good book, as is any book by Norman Cousins ( )