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Story
March 27, 1937
The Daily Independent
Elizabeth City, Pasquotank County, North Carolina
What is this article about?
Dr. Porter Vinson, formerly with Mayo Clinic, claims ambition causes half of U.S. physical illnesses by driving nervous exhaustion and psychosomatic symptoms in a vicious cycle. He advises finding happiness in excelling at one's current work, regardless of status.
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PHYSICAL ILLS ATTRIBUTED TO HIGH AMBITION
Richmond, Va. (U.P.)—Ambition is the indirect cause of at least half the physical sickness in this country, according to Dr. Porter Vinson, of the Medical College of Virginia faculty, formerly diagnostician with Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.
Dr. Vinson, calmly philosophical himself, asserted that the desire to better one's lot in life, an urge which he characterized as "a heritage of democracy", caused a worker to strive "in an atmosphere of speed and harassment until he is nervously exhausted and ruined for the happiness and usefulness he might find in his own sphere.
"His exhaustion and frustration cause physical symptoms." Dr. Vinson explained. "Headaches he mistakes for a brain tumor, stomach pains he fears are cancer.
"Then, disappointed and worn out, he retreats into an attitude of blaming this failure on his physical handicap. He accepts these functional disorders and worries over them until they increase.
Thus the trouble goes on and on in a vicious circle.
"The nervous system is so closely allied with the physical makeup that it is hard to tell where one stops and the other begins. So it is that nervous exhaustion can cause physical symptoms which, by this vicious circle, simulate chronic physical ailments.
"If people could learn," Dr. Vinson concluded, "whatever their status, that the best happiness to be had is in doing their work the best they can and turning out a good job we wouldn't have all this trouble."
Richmond, Va. (U.P.)—Ambition is the indirect cause of at least half the physical sickness in this country, according to Dr. Porter Vinson, of the Medical College of Virginia faculty, formerly diagnostician with Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.
Dr. Vinson, calmly philosophical himself, asserted that the desire to better one's lot in life, an urge which he characterized as "a heritage of democracy", caused a worker to strive "in an atmosphere of speed and harassment until he is nervously exhausted and ruined for the happiness and usefulness he might find in his own sphere.
"His exhaustion and frustration cause physical symptoms." Dr. Vinson explained. "Headaches he mistakes for a brain tumor, stomach pains he fears are cancer.
"Then, disappointed and worn out, he retreats into an attitude of blaming this failure on his physical handicap. He accepts these functional disorders and worries over them until they increase.
Thus the trouble goes on and on in a vicious circle.
"The nervous system is so closely allied with the physical makeup that it is hard to tell where one stops and the other begins. So it is that nervous exhaustion can cause physical symptoms which, by this vicious circle, simulate chronic physical ailments.
"If people could learn," Dr. Vinson concluded, "whatever their status, that the best happiness to be had is in doing their work the best they can and turning out a good job we wouldn't have all this trouble."
What sub-type of article is it?
Medical Curiosity
Curiosity
What themes does it cover?
Misfortune
Moral Virtue
What keywords are associated?
Ambition
Physical Sickness
Nervous Exhaustion
Psychosomatic Symptoms
Vicious Circle
Work Satisfaction
What entities or persons were involved?
Dr. Porter Vinson
Where did it happen?
Richmond, Va.
Story Details
Key Persons
Dr. Porter Vinson
Location
Richmond, Va.
Story Details
Ambition drives workers to exhaustion, causing psychosomatic physical symptoms mistaken for serious illnesses, perpetuating a vicious cycle of worry and decline. Dr. Vinson recommends contentment in excelling at one's current role for true happiness.