Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford Cautionary Tales Presents The Dream
Nov 6, 2023
Join Jane Marie, host of The Dream, as she dives into the murky waters of wellness and life coaching. Alongside experts Dr. Sherman James and Dr. Arline Geronimus, they unravel the myth that positive thinking alone can ensure success, especially for those who struggle the most. The discussion reveals how relentless striving can lead to health risks, particularly in marginalized communities, challenging the notion of meritocracy and exposing the hidden costs of success in a society rife with inequality.
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The Legend of John Henry
- John Henry, a steel driver, competed against a steam drill, symbolizing man versus machine.
- He won but died from exhaustion, highlighting the costs of relentless striving.
The John Henryism Hypothesis
- Dr. James linked the John Henry story to high blood pressure in Black men.
- He developed the John Henryism scale to measure high-effort coping.
John Henry Martin's Story
- John Henry Martin overcame sharecropping but suffered health issues.
- His story inspired Dr. James to explore the health impacts of striving.
