Doris Kearns Goodwin Quote

This extreme treatment was among the proliferating regimens developed in response to the stunning increase in nervous disorders diagnosed around the turn of the century. Commentators and clinicians cited a number of factors related to the stresses of modern civilization: the increased speed of communication facilitated by the telegraph and railroad; the unmelodious clamor of city life replacing the rhythmical sounds of nature; and the rise of the tabloid press that exploded local horrors into national news. These nervous diseases became an epidemic among the ultracompetitive businessman and the socially active woman.