Dr. Gabor Maté - Toxic Culture | Bioneers

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Published 2015-01-22

The Canadian physician and best-selling author of In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts is a brilliantly original thinker on addiction, trauma, parenting and the social context of human diseases and imbalances. Contrary to the assumptions of mainstream medicine, he asserts that most human ailments are not individual problems, but reflections of a person's relationship with the physical, emotional and social environment, from conception to death. Mind and body are not separate in real life, and thus health and illness in a person reflect social and economic realities more than personal predispositions. In other words, personal responsibility cannot be separated from societal responsibility and changing the world.

This speech was presented at the 2012 Bioneers National Conference.

Since 1990, Bioneers has acted as a fertile hub of social and scientific innovators with practical and visionary solutions for the world's most pressing environmental and social challenges.

To experience talks like this, please join us at the Bioneers National Conference each October, and regional Bioneers Resilient Community Network gatherings held nationwide throughout the year.

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All Comments (21)

@baconlatte 8 years ago

Who puts it all together better? Culture, family, physiology, spirituality, psychology, environment. We need more thinkers and healers like Gabor, instead of our system of "specialists".
@radicalhonesty3628 2 years ago

my whole life: I've lived with suicidal grief and homicidal rage... and, in THIS moment, as I watch THIS video, I am happy to say... that I am happy. blissfully, easily, gently, expansively: happy...
@McFraneth 6 years ago

I love this man. I've been a Montessori teacher and I've seen the terrible pressure put on small children to 'achieve'. I've always been a true Montessorian: preparing the environment and letting the child explore it and make connections for himself... I despair at how most parents inadvertantly treat their small vulnerable offspring, setting them up for failure by asking too much of them too soon. Watch your child UNFOLD at HIS OWN PACE... please. A child will ask questions, give the parents clues as to what he is ready for. Answer the questions. Be attentive to what fascinates your child. Let him explore that thoroughly. Have some FAITH that all is unfolding as it should. Don't compete with other parents: that is one of the most toxic things you can put your child through. He is a child of God, as you are. Respect his rhythm. He is a miracle made flesh. See the sacred in him and let him feel free to explore.
@arnaVck 8 years ago

Watching Mate's speeches is a quick escape from the pain.
@ALCRAN2010 3 years ago

In a world past, Some village long ago, This man is who they would call, an "Elder".
@GabrielaPS9622 2 years ago

Every talk of Gabor is so eye-opening. We have been blind all this time.
@currytoday5352 1 year ago

7 years from then, still timely..
@cass57cass 7 years ago

If only we had more doctors like Gabor Mate!
@landryprichard6778 3 years ago

He and his son, Aaron, are a double team doing battle against the evils of our world.
@janglandis773 2 years ago

I am hoping Jordan Peterson fanboys will watch Mate's videos to discover how a real teacher explains difficult complex ideas. No word salad, no obfuscation. Mate supports the content of his lectures with multiple references. You can tell he has done tons of research, whereas Peterson likes to reinterpret the scholarly writing of others in order to make them fit his worldview. Mate, I would love for you to critique more of Peterson's lectures.
@shambhuyadav8428 9 years ago

Ideas of this guy is very addictive. This is nothing but naked truth.
@sianradford237 5 years ago

A truly authentic human being......Thank you for your crystal clear insight Gabor Mate'
@macoeur1122 7 years ago

omg...Someone who can see what I've been seeing for my entire life...but who is more likely to be listened to. Thanks so much for saying it! A rare example of TRUE intelligence.
@evrildindial8841 3 years ago

Listening to this person is always a joy to me . For some unknown reason his voice alone is compelling. His message is life changing.
@jromeo8247 7 years ago

Dr Mate' is genius. I am so glad that there's someone whom understands the connection of environmental influences that put children at risk for lifetime battles of the toxic self loathing, addictive behaviors.
@valeriehaider3273 3 years ago

Gabor is a beautiful authentic soul...master!!
@paulat2498 4 years ago

So agree with your thinking. Bravo Gabor Maté. THANK YOU for standing up and saying what is needed.
@Misslotusification 8 years ago

We need this message to be followed by action.
@Oseanacoceanblue 8 years ago

Absolutely brialliant Quietly spoken no ego about True sound words We need to lead ourselves with wisdom like this, rather than electing twits that are outa range and disassociated Love it
@DorothyGTyas 7 years ago

Brilliant, ethical, consensus paradigm transcending intellect.... Hurrah for PUBLIC HEROES such as this wonderful man❣