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ADHD: A Hunter in a Farmer’s World, 3rd Edition

A Hunter in a Farmer's World

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ADHD: A Hunter in a Farmer’s World, 3rd Edition

Written by: Thom Hartmann, Michael Popkin - foreword
Narrated by: Robin Douglas
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About this listen

A newly revised and updated edition of the classic guide to reframing our view of ADHD and embracing its benefits

• Explains that people with ADHD are not disordered or dysfunctional, but simply “hunters in a farmer’s world”--possessing a unique mental skill set that would have allowed them to thrive in a hunter-gatherer society

• Offers concrete non-drug methods and practices to help hunters--and their parents, teachers, and managers--embrace their differences, nurture creativity, and find success in school, at work, and at home

• Reveals how some of the world’s most successful people can be labeled as ADHD hunters, including Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Edison, and Andrew Carnegie

With 10 percent of the Western world’s children suspected of having Attention Deficit Disorder, or ADHD, and a growing number of adults self-diagnosing after decades of struggle, the question must be raised: How could Nature make such a “mistake”?

In this updated edition of his groundbreaking classic, Thom Hartmann explains that people with ADHD are not abnormal, disordered, or dysfunctional, but simply “hunters in a farmer’s world.” Often highly creative and single-minded in pursuit of a self-chosen goal, those with ADHD symptoms possess a unique mental skill set that would have allowed them to thrive in a hunter-gatherer society. As hunters, they would have been constantly scanning their environment, looking for food or threats (distractibility); they’d have to act without hesitation (impulsivity); and they’d have to love the high-stimulation and risk-filled environment of the hunting field. With our structured public schools, office workplaces, and factories those who inherit a surplus of “hunter skills” are often left frustrated in a world that doesn’t understand or support them.

As Hartmann shows, by reframing our view of ADHD, we can begin to see it not as a disorder, but as simply a difference and, in some ways, an advantage. He reveals how some of the world’s most successful people can be labeled as ADHD hunters and offers concrete non-drug methods and practices to help hunters--and their parents, teachers, and managers--embrace their differences, nurture creativity, and find success in school, at work, and at home. Providing a supportive “survival” guide to help fine tune your natural skill set, rather than suppress it, Hartmann shows that each mind--whether hunter, farmer, or somewhere in between--has value and great potential waiting to be tapped.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©1993, 1997, 2019 Thom Hartmann. All Rights Reserved. (P)2019 Inner Traditions Audio. All Rights Reserved.
Children's Health Mental Health Personal Success Psychology Relationships
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What the critics say

“In this groundbreaking book, Thom Hartmann makes a unique contribution to our understanding of ADHD. In considering ADHD in an evolutionary context, Thom was the first to point out the survival advantages of ADHD in hunter-gatherer societies and also the first to identify the link between ADHD and creativity. As such, Thom will be recognized as a pioneer contributing to the reconceptualization of ADHD from being considered only a ‘disorder’ to being viewed as a ‘mode of thought’ characterized by enhanced flexibility and creativity.” (Richard Silberstein, professor emeritus of cognitive neuroscience at Swinburne University)

“It is refreshing to find a book that places ADHD in a framework that does not imply dysfunction.... The metaphor of a ‘hunter in a farmer’s world’ fits so many of the ADHD youngsters and adults with whom I have worked.” (Margaret (Peg) Dawson, EdD, NCSP, codirector of the Center for Learning and Attention Disorders)

“Why are attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and related conditions so common? Could they in some way be advantageous? These questions and some possible answers are woven through this book, providing basic factual information about ADHD with a twist that helps readers recognize the value - sometimes quite special - of people who have it.” (Dale E. Hammerschmidt, MD, FACP, emeritus professor of medicine at the University of Minnesota)

What listeners say about ADHD: A Hunter in a Farmer’s World, 3rd Edition

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My world, in a new light!

As a man who only learned of my neurodivergency in my late 30's, I have been on a quest to learn as much as I can about how my brain works. This book provided so many new ideas and perspectives into the minds of people like me, and how we are not afflicted with a deficit nor a disorder - rather, we are simply wired different... hunters in a farmers world. Brilliant!

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Transformative

As a now 27 year old adult with ADHD I truly wish I would have been aware of this at 14 when I was diagnosed. If schools, and institutions in general took these concepts seriously many children would be far exceeding previously conceived ideas of what it means to be successful.

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Inspiring and Informative

An incredible message backed by science and research, filled with excellent tips and tricks as well as numerous anecdotes on how best to utilize the unique abilities of those with ADHD. I highly recommend a listen / read for anyone who has, thinks they may have, or think someone they know may have ADHD.

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Fantastic book

A brilliant/insightful/informative book narrated in a pleasing way... what more could I want?

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there is a lot of good info, leftist viewpoint

so much good info on adhd. there are some major assumptions and assigning of motive to "imperialism" and farmer types of peoples. I understand where they are coming from but some of it is pretty presumptuous when compared to the tons of facts and information they provde on adhd. if you can stand that it's a great listen

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book of youre in denial and need copium

I'm not saying kiss big Pharma's feet and to not try alternatives or just accept yourself but I listened to the first hour and I felt the same way when someone asks me why I keep a journal or take a small dose of ritlin and I say I have ADHD and they go ADHD ain't real....do not recommend

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Very Disappointing

This book is outdated. Much of the “current” assumptions about how society perceives ADHD are no longer valid. Having lived in Georgia and being a teacher who has an ADHD partner, I expected to see many of my personal truths reflected. Although the hunter/farmer theory may still have validity, much of the surrounding proofs are simply no longer true.

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3 people found this helpful