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The Edison Gene: ADHD and the Gift of the Hunter Child
"Thom Hartmann demonstrates that ADHD can be associated with creativity, high achievement, and a most successful adaptive style." --Edward Hallowell, M.D., author of Driven to Distraction "Once again, with tireless scholarship and a bit of poetry, Thom Hartmann helps take us to the edge of knowing ourselves, our brains, and our world." --John J. Ratey, M.D., author of A Us...more
ebook, 280 pages
Published
January 14th 2005
by Park Street Press
(first published 2003)
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This is probably the best book I've read on ADHD yet! This book had chapters of fascinating stories about the difference between "Hunter" people and "farming" people. It's a trip back in time by tens of thousands of years. He spent a lot of time explaining the weather patterns on the earth as well, in that they are sudden changes of 3-12 yrs lasting for the next 750-1500 yrs, not long gradual cycles. (He is predicting a new ice age as a result of global warming)
Its premise is that the gene that...more
Its premise is that the gene that...more
I bought this book for my medical library at the request of one of our psychologists, and had absolutely no intention of reading it myself. But the blurb on the back was so intriguing, I couldn't help cracking the book open, and I found it truly fascinating. The author argues that ADHD children have a gene that was adaptive for the hunter-gatherer tribes of the past who had to constantly scan the environment for risks and change direction at a moment's notice. He believes that this gene can stil...more
Aug 19, 2010
Laura
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
non-fiction,
professional
Changing my perspective on people with ADHD. Perhaps we have it all wrong. This was a complete paradigm shift for me and will forever change the way I view ADHD students in my classroom. I love the perspective "it's not that they aren't paying attention to you, it's just that they're paying attention to everything else as well." Great book for teachers and anyone with a family member diagnosed with ADHD.
Where do I start? This book should be required reading by all college students going into the teaching profession.
This was the most amasing book that I have ever read! I actually read it in three days cause I couldn't put it down!
AWESOME!
Genetic adaption not an anomaly, finally someone puts the "story" in its proper perspective.
Genetic adaption not an anomaly, finally someone puts the "story" in its proper perspective.
I'm only 50 pages in (started yesterday) but am already amazed by this book. It gives refreshing perspective on ADHD, not as a disorder or disability but as an incredible gift, one that is very misunderstood. On a personal level, I've always considered my child's ADHD as an amazing gift. In this book, he compares the functioning of a brain with adhd to that of the hunter, always scanning his environment, active in thought. I wish I had a "hunter" brain. Alas, I am a "farmer" through and through....more
Feb 06, 2009
Margret
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Anyone
Shelves:
non-fiction
A really interesting book. It explores so much more than just ADHD.
Loved the positive attitude the author has about ADD.
Interesting book. I'm not sure there's much "hard" psychology in it, but it's an interesting theory.
Basically, it suggests that some children are better suited for being farmers, while other children are better suited to be hunters. Until fairly recently, this was not the problem that it is now. One supposes that what a person could take from this is idea that young people who have "ADD" should be steered towards jobs where they will be on the move, and not behind a desk all day.
Basically, it suggests that some children are better suited for being farmers, while other children are better suited to be hunters. Until fairly recently, this was not the problem that it is now. One supposes that what a person could take from this is idea that young people who have "ADD" should be steered towards jobs where they will be on the move, and not behind a desk all day.
Hartmann details some very interesting theories about human evolution.
At times, I thought Hartmann's glorification of ADD was a little excessive, but given that most other books look down on ADD as a disorder, the praise is welcomed.
At times, I thought Hartmann's glorification of ADD was a little excessive, but given that most other books look down on ADD as a disorder, the praise is welcomed.
Reading the DSM-IV about ADHD sounded to me more like the behavior over a typical boy than a mental illness. Thom theorizes a gene came about which allowed our ancestors to survive an intense period of ice ages. This gene, when triggered, exhibits behaviors teachers find abhorrent in the Prussian style education system of the Unites States better geared to producing soldiers and factory workers than scientists and creators.
I was expecting more out of this book. I appreciate the positive view the author takes of kids with ADHD, however, I could have done with less of the political conspiracy theory type feel. Also, there was a lot less information about dealing with ADHD and much more information of the author just trying to back up his "theory". Don't buy it. Get it at the library, and SKIM it.
[TODO: detailed review. Overall, a very personal treatment with claims of scientific approach that are not supported by evidence. An interesting idea, but ... Much criticism, without support or evidence, of the current education system. Many strange claims of historical evidence. etc.]
Insightful, historically-based view of the advantages of having a mind that won't stay still but rather moves rapidly, and powerfully, from task to task. I love the way Thom Hartmann can see the positive side, the opportunity, hidden in a way of being that is anathema to educators.
I've read many ADHD books & this one is weird. I couldn't get into it & seemed....well weird!!
more fire for my activism... and, another explanation for my personality
Found this book durring a research project for school. Looks interesting.
Of utmost importance.
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Thom Hartmann is a progressive radio talk show host, author, and retired businessman who was born and grew up in Michigan.
His daily progressive radio talk show is syndicated and distributed to radio and television stations nationwide and in Europe and Africa.
Thom has spent much of his life working with and for the International Salem relief organization. In 1979 Hartmann and his wife Louise founde...more
More about Thom Hartmann...
His daily progressive radio talk show is syndicated and distributed to radio and television stations nationwide and in Europe and Africa.
Thom has spent much of his life working with and for the International Salem relief organization. In 1979 Hartmann and his wife Louise founde...more
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