Story perspectives

How Illness Theories Shape Society's Darkest Responses

1/18/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Susan Wise Bauer's book The Great Shadow argues evolving theories of illness have shaped civilization and behavior.
In ancient times, sickness was attributed to demons, and later beliefs linked disease to humoral imbalances and germs.
These ideas have influenced societal responses, including antisemitism during the Black Death and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Even with advances, old beliefs persist, fueling vaccine denial, the embrace of alternative remedies, and scapegoating of marginalized groups.

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Story summary

Susan Wise Bauer's book The Great Shadow argues evolving theories of illness have shaped civilization and behavior.
In ancient times, sickness was attributed to demons, and later beliefs linked disease to humoral imbalances and germs.
These ideas have influenced societal responses, including antisemitism during the Black Death and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Even with advances, old beliefs persist, fueling vaccine denial, the embrace of alternative remedies, and scapegoating of marginalized groups.