The Liberal Mind: The Psychological Causes of Political Madness

by Lyle H. Rossiter Jr.

Are Liberals Out of Their Minds? Why do modern liberals think and act as they do? The radical left's politics and its destructive effects on our basic freedoms have provoked many to speculate on what makes these people tick. The Liberal Mind answers the question. This book is the first systematic analysis of the political madness that now threatens to destroy the West's greatest the American dream of civilized liberty. In his penetrating analysis, Dr. Rossiter reveals modern liberalism's assaults The freedom of adults to make good lives for themselves by cooperating with others, The ability of families to raise children to be self-reliant and mutual, and The morals, rights and laws that protect our freedoms. Modern liberalism's irrationality can only be understood as the product of psychopathology. So extravagant are the patterns of thinking, emoting, behaving and relating that characterize the liberal mind that its relentless protests and demands become understandable only as disorders of the psyche. The Liberal Mind reveals the madness of the modern liberal for what it a massive transference neurosis acted out in the world's political arenas, with devastating effects on the institutions of liberty.

Genres: Politics, Psychology, Nonfiction

417 pages, Perfect Paperback

First published October 30, 2006

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's not an exaggeration to postulate that this may be one of the most important books ever written about our times and the circumstances in which we now find ourselves. It is the foundational key, written with brilliant clarity and insight by a credentialed expert, to understanding what is happening to us as a people and to understanding what motivates those out to destroy us individually and collectively for their own PERSONAL reasons -- such an understanding being necessary to our survival as Americans, both individually and as a collective. It connects all dots, and brings them all home to their common origin. A MUST-read for all Americans, but also recommended reading for the rest of the world. Expect huge protestation from those who have bought into the dangerous and destructive ideology of the far-left.

[Lee Welter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Psychiatrist Lyle Rossiter (with extensive forensic psychiatry experience) prescribes optimal human development while revealing the dysfunction that arises from failure to follow that general recipe. It's more about raising healthy children to become responsible adults of good character than it is about the collectivists.

Not an ideal parent, I welcome advice on improvement. Maybe I will be a better grandfather and great-grandfather.

This also helps me understand those seemingly flawed individuals who want government to be a "parent".

Now reading some of Dr. Rossiter's emails, I'm convinced he is a strong advocate of Liberty and Justice for all, against the efforts of self-serving politicians.

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazon review:

Are Liberals Out of Their Minds? Why do modern liberals think and act as they do? The radical left's politics and its destructive effects on our basic freedoms have provoked many to speculate on what makes these people tick. The Liberal Mind answers the question. This book is the first systematic analysis of the political madness that now threatens to destroy the West's greatest achievement: the American dream of civilized liberty. In his penetrating analysis, Dr. Rossiter reveals modern liberalism's assaults on: The freedom of adults to make good lives for themselves by cooperating with others, The ability of families to raise children to be self-reliant and mutual, and The morals, rights and laws that protect our freedoms. Modern liberalism's irrationality can only be understood as the product of psychopathology. So extravagant are the patterns of thinking, emoting, behaving and relating that characterize the liberal mind that its relentless protests and demands become understandable only as disorders of the psyche. The Liberal Mind reveals the madness of the modern liberal for what it is: a massive transference neurosis acted out in the world's political arenas, with devastating effects on the institutions of liberty.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is so far the best book that fully explains how modern liberals think. This is not a typical political book that points fingers and name names. It’s actually very void of naming off politicians and political parties. This is very much a psychology book that explains how modern liberalism is a psychosis that needs to be cured.

This book isn’t a call to war or political action. It explains how modern liberals are basically irrational, adolescent minded, have other issues going on either present or during childhood that led them to their thinking and political beliefs. It even explains how a person is raised can affect how they act and think as an adult. There’s chapters in here that gave me some good information on how to raise my son! Yes, it has parental advice. That is, if you want your child to grow up mature and rational minded.

While reading this book I didn’t feel like I was reading about politics. It truly is a study on human psychology. If anything, it’s helped me understand liberals and how they think. And more importantly, why they think like they do. In some ways I feel more compassionate about their psychosis after reading this because I now realize that a lot of radical liberals may have experienced a rough life and collective liberalism is how they cope with it. In other ways I still stand firm against their beliefs because liberalism doesn’t support individual freedom, small government, or rationality. They will still embrace secularism, government control and always strive for a utopia that’ll never exist. This book pretty much covers everything and is very relevant today.

Conservatives should read this book to better understand the psychology of liberalism. Liberals should read this to maybe learn some truth. The truth may sting a little but what does it benefit to live a lie that liberalism teaches? Give it a chance.

[Norbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is more of a college textbook than a novel. Not an easy read. Covers every human phase from birth to adulthood and what can go wrong or right during the formative phases/years. The interesting part is how the Liberals think: that the family unit is the perfect unit but must be destroyed and copied by the government. Why? Why don't you just leave things alone.
Another principal thought is that if the child is brought up "good enough" then he'll probably become a productive adult. If not, then he won't. Duh!

[Leandro Texeira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Primeira coisa: o livro é cansativo. São 500 páginas que tranquilamente poderiam ser reduzidas a umas 200, 250. Infelizmente, o autor tem a mania de, antes de começar um novo ponto, revisar o ponto anterior, isso quando não revê quase tudo o que já foi visto. O editor poderia ter feito a gentileza de ter dito: 'olha, amigo, não precisa repetir tudo de novo, os leitores são inteligentes e entendem que você está construindo em cima da argumentação já apresentada'. Esse problema de forma fez com que eu simplesmente parasse a leitura várias vezes. Talvez as revisões se tornaram necessárias graças às interrupções... Mas sem as revisões, as interrupções talvez não tivessem acontecido... Enfim, é o problema do ovo e da galinha aplicado à literatura. Outra questão que torna o livro enfadonho é a super divisão em capítulos: 48! Pra que isso!? A impressão é que a gente não vai vencer o livro nunca! E o final do livro traz uma espécie de 'confessionário' que seria como um esquerdista se definiria, se ele fosse sincero, repetindo mais uma vez as ideias de todo o livro. PRA QUE ISSO?

Já em relação ao conteúdo, é um compêndio bastante interessante sobre o desenvolvimento do ser humano, desde a infância até a velhice. Praticamente não há notas de rodapé - há muita citação indireta-, apenas há a bibliografia ao fim do livro, o que prejudica bastante aqueles que querem acompanhar mais facilmente o fio da meada em outros apriscos.

Aqueles que, como eu, têm filhos, sentirão que o livro traz várias informações e orientações importantes para a educação. Mas, sendo eu cristão, faço diversas ressalvas às abordagens e aos pressupostos do autor, como, por exemplo, as inferências a partir de dados supostamente evolutivos da espécie humana.

Se você conseguir chegar ao fim do livro, ficará persuadido que os problemas de desenvolvimento do indivíduo, se graves, podem levar a um estado patológico que facilmente é identificado com alguns esquerdistas mais radicais. O autor menciona tipos diferentes de defeito de desenvolvimento, o que pode gerar tanto radicais quanto moderados. Mas estes últimos podem mais facilmente se elevar para sair do estado psicoemocional defeituoso com pouca ajuda, às vezes até mesmo com sua exposição à realidade. Mas o esquerdista extremista é patologicamente neurótico, como Freud definiria. Precisaria de tratamento psicológico típico - o autor recomenda.

O que fica bastante claro é que a criação familiar e a educação promovem ou impedem alguém de desenvolver-se plenamente, especialmente aquela dada pelos pais. Assim, se entendermos que os filhos pertencem ao Estado (ou mesmo aos pais), e não a Deus, há uma grande probabilidade de amputarmos a nossa prole de funções que permitiriam salgar a terra e iluminar o mundo.

[Alexandre Garcia Taques Fonseca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Livro espetacular e esclarecedor, para quem gosta de política é leitura obrigatória, oferece um entendimento muito particular sobre o pensamento esquerdista radical.

[Fabiano Moura · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Liberal Mind offers a penetrating exploration into the intricate landscape of leftist ideology, dissecting its core principles and illuminating the complexities of its application in contemporary societies. Through meticulous analysis and compelling argumentation, the author unveils the underlying motivations and aspirations of those situated on the hard left of the political spectrum.
Drawing from a rich tapestry of real-world examples, the book effectively elucidates the driving forces behind the left agenda while addressing the prevalent misconceptions and contradictions that often cloud public discourse. By deconstructing prevailing narratives and offering nuanced insights, Lyle Rossiter challenges readers to critically engage with the multifaceted nature of leftist thought.
It is essential reading for anyone seeking to grasp the nuances of progressive politics and confront the prevailing misconceptions that often hinder meaningful social transformation.

[Edward B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Insight Into Liberal Thinking From a Psychiatrist

The author presents liberal thinking as a neurosis steaming from childhood deficiencies.

The author never uses 10 words when he can use 2000 .

It is an interesting point of view but it is hard fo me to believe that almost half of out population suffers from such neurosis.

[Lucas Magrini Rigo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shows a perspective of the liberal mind as a child who hasn't grown up.
It explains psychology concepts in a relatively simple manner so that the general reader can understand.