The Origin of Wars in Child Abuse, (deMause, Lloyd)

SUMMARY

“The Origins of War in Child Abuse” is a book by Lloyd deMause that explores the connection between childhood abuse and trauma and the development of violent and aggressive behavior in adulthood, including war and genocide. “The Origins of War in Child Abuse” is a powerful and provocative exploration of the deep connections between childhood trauma and adult violence, offering important insights into the ways in which we can work to break the cycle of abuse and build a more peaceful and compassionate world.

HIGHLIGHTS

• The book argues that the majority of human societies throughout history have practiced child abuse, and that this has led to the widespread acceptance of violence and aggression as normal and even desirable behaviors.
• deMause suggests that child abuse creates a cycle of violence, as abused children often grow up to become abusive parents themselves, perpetuating the cycle of trauma and violence.
• The book also explores the relationship between child abuse and cultural norms around violence, arguing that societies with more violent cultural norms tend to have higher rates of child abuse, and that this creates a self-perpetuating cycle of violence and trauma.
• Another important point in the book is that child abuse is not limited to physical abuse, but can also include emotional abuse, neglect, and other forms of mistreatment.
• deMause argues that the widespread acceptance of child abuse throughout history has contributed to the development of violent and authoritarian political systems, including those that have been responsible for war and genocide.
• The book also explores the role of trauma in the development of personality disorders and other mental health issues, including those that contribute to violent and aggressive behavior.

SELECTED QUOTES

• “The history of childhood is a nightmare from which we have only recently begun to awaken. The further back in history one goes, the lower the level of child care, and the more likely children are to be killed, abandoned, beaten, terrorized, and sexually abused.”