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ADHD

A Hunter in a Farmer's World

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ADHD

By: Thom Hartmann, Michael Popkin - introduction
Narrated by: Robin Douglas
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Summary

 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. Attention Deficit Disorders Children's Health Mental Health Personal Development Personal Success Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Relationships Health Special need Hunting Inspiring Thought-Provoking
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Critic reviews

“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“This book did for our family what years of being in and out of therapy failed to accomplish. It helped us to understand and appreciate each other’s unique way of doing and seeing.”
“A clear and positive view of our remarkable children with practical tips for the parent.”
“I highly recommend this book to parents and educators.”
“This book helped me better understand ADHD and gave me practical strategies on how to deal with these children in the classroom.”
“ADHDers aren’t abnormal; they are uniquely gifted individuals in their own right. Thom Hartmann describes these ideas in a book that belongs in the hands of every educator, counselor, doctor, and parent.”
All stars
Most relevant
I really loved it and will probably read it a few more times. The narrator wasn't too monotone aswell.

The best book I have read about Adhd

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Let me start by saying I don’t think this book is necessarily specific to adhd, nor do I prescribe to the black and white labels of ‘hunter’ or ‘farmer’. I read this book at the recommendation of a fellow adhder with similar literary tastes to mine. I had come across the title in passing before, and always overlooked it as the premise didn’t resonate.
The first half was actually very good. It was well laid out and interesting with some ideas and thinking I’d not come across before. I Disregarding that traits are labelled ‘hunter’ or ‘farmer’ it was interesting to hear more about how they developed and why they might be under utilised in a modern office environment. I identified strongly with certain characteristics from both archetypes, which I don’t think is surprising or unusual.
The second half of the book is a bit more generic, and you’ll probably find that your interest correlates negatively depending on how many other adhd type books you’ve read.
I think this would be a good second or third book if you’ve just started your adhd learning journey. I recommend beginning with something broader and more informative, and then if you run on female hormones read something specific to adhd in women (Sari Solden is brilliant) before you dive into this one.

Interesting ideas around human traits in general and how to utilise them in the modern world

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I can relate a lot everywhere but mostly when it says something like , angry for have been misdiagnosed... and have wasted your life in crap jobs ... many!! can't understand the ppl who say this book is repetitive and monotonous, it isn't. they might not be interested. as a clear obvious hunter I can say this bookis not monotonous or repetitive at all. the narrator old have been a bit more enthusiastic than thevdery neutral she's been but she wasn't monotonous either.

why wouldn't I have this jewel 30 years ago...

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Really interesting and well thought out reframing of ADHD in Western societies. Enjoyed this shift in perspective and the plethora of information that I now know about ADHD/Hunters, methylfenidate, and the historical approach to these subjects.

Would recommend!

ADHD - Hunters and Farmers both have strengths

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An extremely empowering and liberating book. Well researched, sensitive and practical. It should be compulsory for anyone working in the field. can’t recommend it enough.

Wonderful

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