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The Human Condition
by John McCarthy
Format: Hardback
Publication date: 22nd March 2011
ISBN: 978-1-908024-35-0
Price: €15.00
“We all respond deeply to people of passion and vision. And to the person who takes the time to stop and ask “How are you?” and means it when they ask. John McCarthy is all of these and more. In this book you will meet a man who is stubborn but brave, courageous yet humble, a deeply generous and caring man who has always fought for the rights and dignity of the vulnerable in our society, especially those we choose to call mad. You may not always agree with him but you cannot fail to be inspired by him – it has been a rare and exceptional privilege to know him.”
Seán Coughlan – Chief Executive. Social Entrepreneurs Ireland
“John McCarty is a man of uncommon views, unconstrained by the consensus and inpatient in his pursuit of fairness and justice. He will present an argument about 2 years before it becomes fashionable and for such has attracted much criticism. He is passionate and persuasive yet open enough to hear and accept an alternate viewpoint. He continues to stretch our understanding of mental health, personal freedoms, human rights and the ordinariness of madness. “
Martin Rogan – Assistant National Director for Mental Health,HSE
“It would be hackneyed to say that in his writings John McCarthy describes life as he has known it. It would be more real to say that John McCarthy describes life as it is, but with a courage and a clarity that few would dare to try. I have known no other person who has had such strength to take onto himself the worst that life can offer, and come through such experiences better and with a more positive attitude, despite whatever negative experience. Learning from and then laughing at adversity is to me the essence of John McCarthy and here he describes a life lived more vividly than can ever be imagined,”
Dan Boyle – Senator
John McCarthy’s columns for the Cork Independent have been a revelation. Irreverent, insightful and often very controversial, John’s writing comes from the heart and from life. Passionate and with an incredible sense of justice and of emotion, John has been a voice for the voiceless in the newspaper. The column has revealed a deep hunger among our readers for something that speaks to them emotionally and with understanding, and we are proud to bring his writing to a wide audience. I hope this book does the same.
Deirdre O’Shaughnessy – Editor Cork Independent
I felt suicicidal, What did you say to me? Hold on we’ll need you one day. You made gorgeous fresh soup that evening Now I understand, I have so much purpose!!! THANKS JOHN; SO MUCH FOR EVERYTHING
Donna English – Artist
I commend John for everything he is doing in the area of mental health. It is a difficult and sometimes lonely road when trying to change attitudes and prejudice in society and John is walking that road with dignity and passion. His book is an eclectic mix of writings conveying laughter and sorrow, pain and joy and I wish John continued success.
Mary Davis – Special Olympics
Best wishes with all your work especially in celebrating difference. You are never afraid to grasp the nettles in following your ideals. When I think of your name – John – the J stands for joy – you radiate it, no matter what; O is for all the opportunities you use to pursue your beliefs; H is for your sense of honour; N – for the nerve you show in everything you do and N for the nuisance you are to those with an agenda that doesn’t put people at the centre.
Maureen O’Sullivan TD
About the Author
John McCarthy is a Mental Health and HumanRights campaigner with a long history of community activity in his native Cork.
Advisor to Junior Minister for Mental Health John Moloney
Director Mindfreedom International Mad Pride Committee
Deputy director WNUSP
Spokesman at the UN/EU/EC
Former director of Concern
Please visit the Mad Pride website at: www.madprideireland.ie
