The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture

Maté now addresses the question of human nature. He regards this question as essential to understanding human health since the heath of any organism depends upon its needs being met. Maté eschews any fixed concept of human nature, suggesting instead that human nature is malleable and changes based on the conditions to which it is subject. He argues that we are not genetically pre-determined but are defined by our capacity for continual adaptation and creation. Nevertheless, we have certain needs derived from our evolutionary past, which different environments may be more conducive to satisfying. One of these needs is “an inherent expectation for reciprocity and connection” (120). Thus, says Maté, human beings “prefer” (121) harmonious, caring relations with others. It is just that under capitalist society, this need has been obscured. Instead, the individualistic tendencies that reflect our economic system have become reified and misidentified as part of an essential human nature.

In this chapter, Maté asks what it is that underpins healthy childhood development. He addresses this issue by citing recent scientific research that emphasizes emotions rather than intellect as key to successful childhood maturation. Key to the proper nurturing of a child’s emotions, in turn, is “the consistent availability of attuned, non-stressed, and emotionally reliable care-givers” (126).