Adversity is a Gift with Dr. Norman Rosenthal

The simple way of looking at adversity is that it is really bad news and something to be avoided. I would rather not have adversity. However, as I personally looked over the lessons of my life it occurred to me that what I learn the most from, was when things went wrong. That led me to think that this is perhaps a general principal –that although we don’t want adversity and we rightfully avoid it, we can’t really escape it. It is an inherent part of life, and so since we are going to get it anyway what can we do with it, what can we make out of it that actually turns it into a gift? (Click video below for more)

[Video 3:51] Adversity is a Gift

Here’s what the experts are saying about The Gift of Adversity:

“Dr. Rosenthal catalyzes conversations around adversity with tales of wisdom and survival that we can all treasure.” —Mehmet C. Oz, M.D., host of The Dr. OZ Show

“Dr. Norm is a cosmonaut of consciousness, launching into the murky abyss and returning with meteoric treasures for us all. His writing on the value of adversity may come to be regarded by Alien archeologists as a Rosetta Stone in understanding how we advance as individuals and as a culture.” —Russell Brand, Actor

“Dr. Rosenthal presents an intriguing and inspiring work on the endless ‘blessings in disguise’ which shape our lives and our world. He shares frank personal experiences along with stories of others, including historical events on a global scale. He offers suggestions on how to navigate through rough patches in life and celebrates the resilience of the human spirit.” —Laura Dern, Actress

“In this timely and beautifully written work, renowned psychiatrist and best-selling author Norman Rosenthal tells intriguing stories that converge on an important theme–that many of life’s greatest lessons and joys aren’t the products of perfection, but the gifts of adversity. Each short chapter is its own delicious dish in a wonderful feast of a book.”

—Marci Shimoff, #1 NY Times bestselling author, Happy for No Reason, Love For No Reason, and Chicken Soup for the Woman’s Soul

This charming book joins deep insights from psychoanalysis to the humane wisdom of a life fully lived. Rosenthal captures both the complexity of our emotions and the pragmatics needed to harness them, and he does so with humor and grace.

—Andrew Solomon, Author of “Far From the Tree.”

The Gift of Adversity is a wonderful book. Dr Rosenthal, psychiatrist and humanist, vividly describes the pains and setbacks brought about by our actions or circumstance and how we can use them to give substance and meaning to our lives. The Gift of Adversity is an important gift in its own right.
—Kay Redfield Jamison PhD, author of An Unquiet Mind

I really loved Norman’s book—and i agree that adversity can be a great teacher and a great friend. —David Lynch, filmmaker

If you’ve ever wondered what a world-class psychiatrist really thinks when pondering his life journey, then read The Gift of Adversity. You’ll be treated to short and savory stories covering Dr. Norman Rosenthal’s extraordinary roller coaster ride from a young boy in South Africa, to an acclaimed physician and scientist. His wit and wisdom will captivate you as you learn the priceless lessons gifted to you from life’s challenges.
—Pam Peeke MD, MPH, FACP, Assistant Professor of Medicine U of MD, New York Times bestselling author of The Hunger Fix