Robert Jay Lifton is an American psychiatrist and author renowned for his studies into the psychological causes and consequences of war and political violence, as well as his theory of thought reform. He was an early proponent of psychohistorical techniques, exploring the darker aspects of the human psyche through his influential writings.
This is not only one of the most important works on medical ethics yet written. It also breaks through the frontiers of historiography to provide a convincing psychological interpretation of the Third Reich and the crimes of National Socialism.-New York Review of Books
Examines the psychological problems arising from dependence on nuclear weapons
In the spring of 1954, Robert Jay Lifton, a young psychiatrist freshly returned from the Korean War, chose to remain in Hong Kong to pursue his fascination with interviewing individuals subjected to Chinese thought reform. This decision marked a pivotal shift in his life, leading him to explore the depths of the human psyche and laying the groundwork for his understanding of brainwashing. Lifton's research in Hong Kong initiated a lifelong inquiry into the darkest chapters of human history, where he served as a psychological witness to collective violence and trauma, while also highlighting our remarkable resilience. His memoir chronicles an adventurous life journey, from his "Jewish Huck Finn childhood" in Brooklyn to friendships with influential intellectuals and artists, including Erik Erikson and Kurt Vonnegut. Lifton's study of Hiroshima survivors revealed the human toll of nuclear weapons and the troubling allure of their power, which he termed nuclearism. Through interviews with Nazi doctors, he exposed the chilling transformation of healers into agents of destruction. He also pioneered "rap groups" for Vietnam veterans, shedding light on post-traumatic stress disorder and helping them derive valuable insights from their experiences. As a pioneer in psychohistory, Lifton became a passionate social activist, advocating for the truths of the Vietnam War and the perils of nuclear armament. With warmth, humor, and a sense
Resilience and Renewal from Hiroshima to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Focusing on the psychological aftermath of catastrophe, this work by Robert Jay Lifton explores how individuals and communities can cope with the lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing parallels with historical survivors of Hiroshima and Nazi death camps, Lifton emphasizes the concept of "survivor power" and advocates for a deep reckoning with the pandemic's effects. He presents a hopeful vision for renewal, suggesting that meaningful lives can emerge from tragedy and that confronting our collective experiences is essential for moving forward.
De-confusing and Re-constructing the Postmodern World
Includes essays and excerpts from the works of prominent modern thinkers such as Umberto Eco, Jacques Derrida, and Isaiah Berlin among others.
This collection presents key writings on understanding and treating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Editor Mardi J. Horowitz introduces the evolution of our comprehension of PTSD, establishing the necessary conceptual framework and terminology. The essays that follow offer a comprehensive exploration of the disorder's complexities, addressing individual and cultural responses, as well as pre- and post-traumatic causative factors and the evolving nature of diagnostic categories. Organized into sections on diagnosis, etiology, and treatment, the collection features both classic and more controversial essays. Notable contributors include Freud, Lindemann, Eitinger, Nadelson, Notman, Zackson, Gornick, Green, Grace, Lindy, Titchener, Lindy, Terr, Galante, Foa, Rothbaum, Riggs, Murdock, Shore, Tatum, Vollmer, Pittman, Orr, Forgue, Altman, de Jong, Herz, Herman, Yehuda, McFarlane, Putnam, Lifton, Olson, Wilner, Kaltrider, Alvarez, Trimble, Epstein, Keane, Zinering, Caddell, Krystal, Kosten, Southwick, Mason, Perry, Giller, Spiegel, Hunt, Dondershire, van der Kolk, Lang, Pynoos, Eth, Friedman, Shapiro, Wilson, Lindy, McCann, and Pearlman. This anthology serves as an essential resource for those seeking to deepen their understanding of PTSD and its treatment.
