Robert Jay Lifton è uno psichiatra e autore americano, rinomato per i suoi studi sulle cause e le conseguenze psicologiche della guerra e della violenza politica, nonché per la sua teoria della riforma del pensiero. È stato uno dei primi sostenitori delle tecniche psicostoriche, esplorando gli aspetti più oscuri della psiche umana attraverso i suoi scritti influenti.
The memoir offers an introspective look at Robert Jay Lifton's life as an influential intellectual and political activist. It reflects on his journey through the tragedies of the twentieth century, emphasizing his role in founding psychohistory. Lifton shares his experiences as a hopeful witness, exploring the depths of human suffering while seeking to understand and transcend it.
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
A brilliant analysis and history of the crucial role that German doctors played in Nazi genocide.
Examines the psychological problems arising from dependence on nuclear weapons
A definitive account of the psychology of zealotry, from a National Book Award winner and a leading authority on the nature of cults, political absolutism, and mind control In this unique and timely volume, Robert Jay Lifton, the National Book Award-winning psychiatrist, historian, and public intellectual proposes a radical idea: that the psychological relationship between extremist political movements and fanatical religious cults may be much closer than anyone thought. Exploring the most extreme manifestations of human zealotry, Lifton highlights an array of leaders--from Mao to Hitler to the Japanese apocalyptic cult leader Shoko Asahara to Donald Trump--who have sought the control of human minds and the ownership of reality. Lifton has spent decades exploring psychological extremism. His pioneering concept of the "Eight Deadly Sins" of ideological totalism--originally devised to identify "brainwashing" (or "thought reform") in political movements--has been widely quoted in writings about cults, and embraced by members and former members of religious cults seeking to understand their experiences. In this book, Lifton weaves together some of his finest work with extensive new commentary to provide vital understanding of mental predators, their assaults on truth, and our efforts to regain reality.
Exploring the potential of the human mind as a vital evolutionary asset, the author presents evidence on how heightened awareness can drive action to protect our environment and society. The book emphasizes the importance of harnessing our cognitive abilities to address pressing global challenges and sustain our habitat for future generations.
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.
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.