Books Briefing: Challenging the Status Quo
- A growing number of Americans are seeking alternatives to established systems, including the 9-to-5 workplace and the medical industry.
- In 2023, North Americans spent an average of $5,800 each on wellness treatments, despite questions about their effectiveness.
- Lowenstein noted in his essay on Gardiner Harris’s book,No More Tears,that disillusionment with the healthcare system,driven by concerns over profits,may push people to seek alternatives.
Distrust in Institutions Fuels Wellness Industry and alternative Trends
Updated May 31, 2025
A growing number of Americans are seeking alternatives to established systems, including the 9-to-5 workplace and the medical industry. This trend is fueled by a deep distrust in American institutions, leading many to explore options like the wellness industry, multi-level marketing (MLM), and alternative political movements.
In 2023, North Americans spent an average of $5,800 each on wellness treatments, despite questions about their effectiveness. Simultaneously, one in 13 Americans has engaged in MLM, even though 99% reportedly lose money. Support for figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for promoting unsubstantiated claims about vaccines and autism, also reflects this search for alternatives.
adam M. Lowenstein noted in his essay on Gardiner Harris’s book,No More Tears,that disillusionment with the healthcare system,driven by concerns over profits,may push people to seek alternatives. Sheila McClear observed that Americans are fatigued by a costly and inconvenient healthcare system,leading them to explore options ranging from adaptogenic dust to boutique health services.
Lora Kelley highlighted the resurgence of MLMs during the “Great Resignation,” as workers sought security, freedom, and dignity that traditional jobs no longer seemed to offer. She characterized MLMs as “a toxin masquerading as a cure,” preying on the desperation of those seeking better opportunities.
McClear also noted the rise of medical skeptics in the political sphere, with figures like wellness influencer Casey Means perhaps influencing policy. While some proposed reforms, such as curbing microplastics and scrutinizing pharmaceutical companies, might potentially be productive, others, like reducing access to vaccines and fluoride, raise concerns.
What’s next
While the desire for alternatives is understandable given widespread disappointment, it’s crucial to evaluate these options carefully, as some may prove to be demonstrably worse than the systems they aim to replace.