‘Laughter Is Not Enough’

Your editorial was very appropriate because so many people believe that positive thinking and lots of laughter are enough to cure any sickness, perhaps even cancer.

But unfortunately, your editorial insinuates that Norman Cousins and his books, “which gave this view a big boost,” ever suggested that! He certainly brought to the foreground that “the patient’s attitude and frame of mind are important factors in any treatment of his illness” and even teaches this concept to medical students now as a new member of the faculty of UCLA.

However, he always emphasized in his books and talks that nothing should be done or decided by the patient without the advice and agreement of the physician and he himself did not undertake any of his unusual but successful actions that helped him to convalesce from two severe illnesses without the complete agreement of his personal doctor!

LEE ELLERBROCK

Covina