Our Culture is Killing Us | Gabor Mate on the Myth that is our 'Normal' Culture (Part 1)

We often equate normality with health. But what constitutes normal in Western societies? Esteemed physician and addiction specialist Gabor Maté explores the root causes of our physical and emotional ailments, linking personal suffering to the stresses of contemporary life. Illness and trauma are shaping our existence. Nearly half of Europeans deal with high blood pressure, and close to seventy percent of Americans use at least one prescription medication.

Drawing from over forty years of clinical practice, Dr. Gabor Maté challenges the standard definition of 'normal.' He argues that most diseases are a natural consequence of living in a dysfunctional culture that distances us from our authentic selves. Featuring stories of individuals struggling with illness or celebrating recovery, this inspiring talk by the respected physician and author illustrates that true health is attainable if we prioritize authenticity over societal expectations.

Gabor Maté, now retired, is a bestselling author and sought-after speaker known for his expertise in addiction, trauma, stress, and child development. He has authored four bestselling books, translated into nearly thirty languages, including the award-winning "In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction." He has been honored with the Order of Canada (the equivalent of an MBE) and the Civic Merit Award from Vancouver, his hometown, for his pioneering medical contributions and writings.

#traumahealing #trauma #gabormate #authenticity #stress #illness

[philippedefossez]

This man deserves a Nobel Prize for his work.

[Julieglam]

Social conditioning is VERY real. But most people are so caught up in it they don't even realize it's happening. If you read The Myth of Normal it opens your eyes to this. Gabor is quite astute in his assessment of this...

[WHISTLEPEG]

"What we consider to be normal is simply what we are used to" is a very profound and true statement. Look at the social history of humans to find many things considered "normal" but which are no longer acceptible.

[MM-yizn]

Gabor Mate has an original take on what is “normal” is so astonishingly truthful & insightful he should be held in the highest regard. Deserves a Nobel Prize!

[Steve]

"It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society."

J. Krishnamurti

[artwillvideos]

I say this about our food culture all the time. So much is unhealthy. People have been conditioned to believe that if it’s in the store or being sold by a restaurant, it must be ok to eat…often, it is not. Unhealthy eating is the default. Converting to healthy eating is a challenge, but I actually find it easier and simpler, once you truly commit.

[ABO-Destiny]

Dr. Gabor Mate is one of the most listenable speakers of modern times who automatically commands respect and a feeling of relationship.

[woodfox]

This is why despite having a family I am a complete loner. I miss interaction a bit occasionally but I prefer sanity and less social mental noise and less of the subtle leverage used by society at large.

[worldadventuretravel]

Dr. Mate' is one of the best. As Krishnamurti said decades ago, "It is no great measure of health to be well-adjusted to a profoundly sick society." Mate' is the Krishnamurti of our era.

[Bronco]

Its rare that a speaker captivates me so quickly.

[GoloPutka]

Dr Mate is a great man and an excellent human being we all should try to emulate

[HJones-vsur]

We live in a toxic environment, devoid of love and human connection.

[MendeMaria-ejbf]

Thank you for your definition of what is considered to be normal. Thank you for your thoughts, reflections and insights.

[angelagrosso]

Love you Gabor seemingly so brilliant about human suffering...Bless your heart ❤️

[georgelewis]

Wish I had known about this man sooner, his thinking aligns very closely with some of the things I am experiencing and trying to express.

[jessitatoris-rogers]

I have been pondering on the question of
“ what is human nature?”
My earliest memories are these thoughts

Excellent answers by Dr mate.

[That_Freedom_Guy]

We are all conditioned by our dominant culture as we develop, through the "agents of socialisation". Our parents, friends, school, electronic media, etc. That's why we tend to support the regime we developed within. At least until we start asking questions!

[martinakorinkova]

Brilliant speaker about all conditioning we can ever imagine is Jiddu Krishnamurti.

[frankr]

Brilliant talk, but let's get specific. In my view, the core problems with Western societies are:

1. An exploitive ruling class (the truly powerful people and groups we always ignore);
2. A reductionist worldview (matter only; mind doesn't exist);
3. An inhumane economic logic (people as producers and consumers, not humans who produce and consume);
4. An ecocidal economic system (growth-dependent capitalism).

Conceptually, the most fundamental requirement to overcome these deadly deficiencies is a humane and sustainable economic theory. My proposal is the Economics of Needs and Limits (ENL).

[miniminamanmina]

TAKING in all it's present forms has been legislated, ingrained in mythology, music, media, entertainment, education in a systematic way that makes ethics morals and truth suspect, and actually throws one out of the human tribe if pursued. This has been an amazing change over the past 50 years. It's seeds and actualization is the death of civilizations. But historically a repeating pattern seen by so few as to be unbelievable .