Member-only story

When Was Mortal: A Journey into the Heart of the Human Epidemic

John Steinbeck

·7.2k Followers· Follow

Published in When I Was Mortal (Vintage International)

4 min read · 2 weeks before

249 View Claps

18 Respond

Save

Listen

In her groundbreaking book When Was Mortal, Susan Sontag traces the history of humanity's relationship with disease. From the Black Death to the present day, Sontag explores the ways in which disease has shaped our culture, our politics, and our understanding of ourselves.

When I Was Mortal (Vintage International)

by Oswald Campesato

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2112 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	178 pages

Sontag begins by examining the role of disease in pre-modern societies. In these societies, disease was often seen as a divine punishment or a sign of moral failing. As a result, people were often reluctant to seek medical help, and those who did were often treated with suspicion and fear.

The Enlightenment brought about a new understanding of disease. Disease was now seen as a natural phenomenon, and it was believed that it could be prevented and treated through the use of science and reason. This new understanding led to the development of new medical treatments and the establishment of hospitals and other institutions dedicated to the care of the sick.

However, the Enlightenment also brought about a new fear of disease. The Industrial Revolution led to the growth of cities, which created new opportunities for the spread of disease. At the same time, the development of new medical technologies, such as the microscope, made it possible to see disease in new ways. This new knowledge led to a heightened awareness of the dangers of disease, and it also fueled a new wave of fear and anxiety about death.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, disease continued to play a major role in human history. The development of new vaccines and antibiotics led to a decline in the death rate from infectious diseases, but new diseases, such as cancer and AIDS, emerged to take their place. At the same time, the rise of globalization led to the spread of disease across bFree Downloads, creating new challenges for public health.

When Was Mortal is a timely and important book that explores the complex and ever-changing relationship between humanity and disease. Sontag's insights are essential reading for anyone interested in the history of medicine, the nature of illness, or the human condition.

Praise for When Was Mortal

"A profound and moving exploration of the human experience of disease."—The New York Times

"A brilliant and essential book."—The Washington Post

"A masterpiece."—The Guardian

About the Author

Susan Sontag was an American writer and critic. She was the author of more than twenty books, including The Benefactor, On Photography, and Illness as Metaphor. Sontag died of cancer in 2004.

When I Was Mortal (Vintage International)

by Oswald Campesato

4.4 out of 5