The Myth of the Disease

During the 19th century, there was a cultural belief that artists with tuberculosis needed extended bed rest for reflection and creativity, perpetuating the notion of disease as a mystical intervention. This myth impacted medical treatment and led to the view of tuberculosis as a disease that affected individuals with a certain personality. Susan Sontag challenges these ideas, highlighting that illness is a natural part of the human condition and advocating for a more scientific understanding of disease. The cultural mythology around tuberculosis influenced how individuals with the disease perceived themselves, as well as the medical and cultural discourse, resulting in inadequate treatment and unnecessary suffering.