Anatomy of an Illness as Perceived by the Patient

Reflections on Healing and Regeneration

By: Norman Cousins

Narrated by: Mikael Naramore

The power of laughter triumphs over illness in Norman Cousins's bestselling classic memoir that revolutionized medicine.

Norman Cousins's iconic firsthand account of victory against terminal disease, Anatomy of an Illness as Perceived by the Patient inspired a revolution, encouraging patients to take charge of their own treatment.

A political journalist and activist, Cousins was also a professor of medical humanities at UCLA, where he studied the biochemistry of human emotions and their relationship to healing. When Cousins was hospitalized with a debilitating collagen illness, he decided to take his health into his own hands. Cousins and his doctor combated the disease together by creating a regimen of laughter and vitamin C specifically calibrated to his needs. Against all odds, the treatment worked, proving to Cousins that a positive attitude was key to his improvement.

Years later, Cousins set pen to paper to tell the story of his recovery. In this humorous and insightful account, Cousins analyzes his own journey in relation to holistic medicine and discusses the astounding power of mind over body. The result is an inspirational and educational guide to health that continues to offer hope to many.

©1979 W.W. Norton & Company, Inc. (P)2019 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Mind over matter 01

This book is perfect for my situation. Dr says, I'm terminal. But, it's mind over matter like this book teaches me.

Quick listen

Excellent perspective from the often ignored Patient's point of view. Quick yet impactful listen.

Excellent mind over matter

Well written. The human touch of love, compassion, hope and belief can be lost in technology and busyness. Must read.

Great, information, motivational

Loved it! kept me on my toes. I would difinetly recommend it to everyone interested.

Anatomy of an Illness is truly inspiring

It's a great encouragement to those who cherish health and well-being, and even more to those who might be descending the slope of life as the result of an Illness. It's a powerful message of empowerment, of the possibilities of recovering the will to live and enjoy life and all it presents to us.