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Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Lost Connections in Books

Mar 19, 2018

Lost Connections

Johann Hari | 2018 | Philosophy, Psychology & Social Sciences

7.0

(1 Ratings)

Book Rating

Sentiment is worthy but not cohesive

Johann Hari has delved into the world of depression and psychiatry, revealing his own battles with the condition and attempting to debunk approaches towards mental health. His intentions are worthy as it is a dense topic of discussion, and absolutely essential, but unfortunately Hari only focuses on one side.

His views on overprescription are completely accurate as many mental health professionals have a tendency to equate behaviour as a science, therefore looking towards traditional methods of treatment. However, his views that depression is totally reactive to environment is incorrect as many with other serious conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar, would have "endogenous" depression ie. where something goes wrong in the brain.

Much of this book concentrates on the disconnection from vital human requirements such as neighbourliness, professional fulfillment, acknowledgement of trauma and so on. His approach suggests that reconnecting may help the malaise. While I agree with half of his argument, others may find it oversimplified. But no doubt we do need a more compassionate attitude towards mental health.

Kudos

Awix (3310 KP) rated the PC version of Euro Truck Simulator 2 in Video Games

Oct 29, 2019

Lorry-driving sim sounds like a joke, but then you try it just to see what it's like. 130 hours later you find yourself managing half-a-dozen garages across Europe with two or three times as many drivers working for you, while you simultaneously worry about getting a load of cement from Birmingham to Dusseldorf on time. The combination of driving, business management, and strategy/RP really does exert a peculiar attraction.

A big time sink, obviously, but not quite as easy as it sounds: the trucks are not easy to control on some of the roads, and every time you ding your rig or some idiot drives into the back of you it costs you money and can reduce your profit. Much of the time you can still relax and enjoy the beautifully rendered environment of the game - countries really do look different, although famous landmarks are a bit thin on the ground. Possibly not where the kids are at, but still a weirdly relaxing and absorbing experience.