"Optimism doesn't wait on facts. It deals with prospects, pessimism is a waste of time.
Norman Cousins. The author of "Anatomy of an Illness" published in 1979 and long time editor of "The Saturday Review."
He ushered in the holistic health revolution using laughter as a base for healing. He proved that the mind alone has the potential to heal, "The Power of Belief."
Norman was born on June 24, 1915 in Union Hill, New Jersey. He fended off a life threatening disease, Ankylosing Spondylitis a degenerative disease, that affects the spinal column, a form of arthritis in young men which causes the breakdown of collagen, which helps bind together the body's cells and eventually causes ankylosis of the vertebral and sacro-iliac joints.
After the grim diagnosis, Norman checked himself out of the hospital and into a hotel, where he preceeded to cure himself using his own nutritional and emotional support systems, vitamin C and tons of laughter opposing a traditional method of treatment.
He spent hours watching comedy television.
Known as the man who laughed himself to health.
He gained his mobility, improved and returned to his normal life at the "Saturday Review"
His story is chronicled in his book, "Anatomy of an Illness." He died in November 1990. He received numerous awards including the Peace Medal from the United Nations, nearly 50 honorary doctorate degrees and served as a diplomat during three presidental administrations.
He fought the odds and won. His secret; laughter, noting the physiological and chemical effects that laughing has when mending the immune system.
A great man, before his time.
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