Despite being known for his bizarre experiments and scams, Dr. John Brinkley rose to the occasion during the great influenza epidemic and became a beloved doctor who only lost one patient to the disease, offering free care and treatments to those in need.
After seeing his grandfather's body in an open casket, John became fascinated with death. His father coped by working and leading an organization, while John explored his curiosity through hanging out with an older girl he met at work.
The book delves into the differences between men and women and how they communicate in relationships. One third of the book focuses on the idea that men need to retreat into their "caves," providing an accidental biography of the author.
A discussion about the danger of putting too much authority and trust in people who are only an expert in one narrow area, as seen in the case of Brazil's miracle healer, John of God and his false claims of curing cancer.
The case of Dan White, who killed Harvey Milk and George Moscone, led to significant reforms in the ability to plead not guilty by reason of insanity, due to successful plea in this case and controversy surrounding it. White's situation was also made worse by the Twinkie Defense, which led to intense criticism of using emotional distress defenses in court.
Tim Ferriss becomes the first reporter to ask John of God about sexual abuse allegations against him. Ferriss discusses how individuals might be primed for such a conversation.