Dr. Gabor Maté

Sometimes when I give my lectures, I play a song by Elvis Presley.

Did you see that wonderful documentary about Presley called The Return of the King?

Okay, it's wonderful.

He goes through this phase where he sings terrible songs, where he gives up on his incredible charismatic energy and talent, and he just becomes a puppet in the hands of his manager.

And then he does this comeback concert, and he shows up on stage dressed like a god in leather clothing, just the most beautiful man on earth.

And he sings his raw, raucous, ribald, wonderful rock and roll, and he's fully himself.

But then he gave that up.

And he sings this song called, Any Way You Want Me.

That's the way I'll be.

I'll be strong as a mountain or weak as a willow tree.

I'll be anything that you want me to be.

And that's how he ended up living his life.

He ended up dying very young in very tragic circumstances.

He's somebody whose raw genius was of world significance.

And his energy was unbelievable.

And he gave it all up.

Well, thanks for coming up.

I hope you're not nervous.

There's only a thousand strangers watching you.

What would you like to talk about?