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American Mania
360 pages, 2006
In spite of an astonishing appetite for life and a high quality of life, more and more Americans are feeling overworked and dissatisfied. There are epidemics of stress, anxiety, depression, obesity, and time urgency in the world's most affluent nation.
Peter C. Whybrow, director of the Neuropsychiatric Institute at UCLA, grounds the extraordinary achievements and excessive consumption of the American nation in an understanding of the biology of the brain's reward system.
The book presents a clear vantage point from which to understand the most pressing social issues of our time while offering an informed approach to refocusing our pursuit of happiness. American Mania offers a comprehensive and physical explanation for the addictive mania of consumerism.
American Mania by Peter C. Whybrow explores the concept of the American Dream. He digs into the idea that the pursuit of wealth and success can often lead to stress, overwork, and even mental illness. It's a fascinating look into the darker side of ambition.
Whybrow takes a deep look into the effects of consumerism on our mental health. He finds that the constant desire for more can lead to a cycle of dissatisfaction and unhappiness. This book will make you rethink your relationship with material possessions.
In American Mania, the author explores the role of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. He suggests that our consumerist culture and the constant pursuit of pleasure can lead to an overstimulation of dopamine, resulting in addictive behaviors.
Peter C. Whybrow emphasizes the importance of balance in our lives. He suggests that while ambition and the pursuit of success are not inherently bad, they need to be balanced with relaxation, leisure, and personal relationships. This book will inspire you to find that balance in your own life.
Whybrow also explores the impact of technology on our lives. He sees the constant connectivity and the pressure to always be 'on' as contributing to stress and anxiety. After reading American Mania, you might want to check your own relationship with technology.
Quotes 5
American Mania is a profound examination of the national psyche, offering an insightful perspective on the intersection of neuroscience, economics, and social behavior.
Andrew Solomon - Writer, Lecturer, ActivistWhybrow's American Mania is a compelling exploration of the American psyche, blending neuroscience and social science in a truly unique way.
Robert Sapolsky - Neuroendocrinologist, AuthorAmerican Mania is a thought-provoking analysis of the American mind, offering a deep dive into the intersection of neuroscience, economics, and social behavior.
Daniel Goleman - Psychologist, AuthorWhybrow's American Mania is a profound exploration of the American psyche, offering a unique blend of neuroscience and social science.
Oliver Sacks - Neurologist, AuthorAmerican Mania is a compelling examination of the American mind, offering a unique perspective on the intersection of neuroscience, economics, and social behavior.
Steven Pinker - Cognitive Psychologist