The Continuum Concept

In 'The Continuum Concept,' Jean Liedloff explores the life of indigenous tribes in the Amazon, where children thrive in a natural environment free from modern societal constraints. Through her firsthand experiences, she argues that our Western approach to parenting and child-rearing is fundamentally flawed and detrimental to human development. Liedloff introduces the idea of a 'continuum' of human experience shaped by evolutionary forces, advocating for a return to more instinctual, nurturing practices. This thought-provoking book challenges readers to reconsider their beliefs about attachment, autonomy, and the essence of a fulfilling life. Will embracing our innate instincts unlock the secret to a happier, more connected humanity?

By Jean Liedloff

Published: 1986

"The most important aspect of our development is not how we are cared for, but how we care for one another."

The Continuum ConceptBook binding

Start Listening

0:000:00

What Readers Say About This Book

A landmark treatise on how humanity lives versus how we should, what we've lost with our "progress," and how we can reclaim our true nature Jean Liedloff, an American writer, spent two and a half years in the South American jungle living with Stone Age Indians. The experience demolished her Western preconceptions of how we should live and led her to a radically different view of what human nature really is. She offers a new understanding of how we have lost much of our natural well-being and shows us practical ways to regain it for our children and for ourselves.

Mike & Casey Show Logo

The Mike & Casey Show

Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts

Key Points from The Continuum Concept

About the Author

J

Jean Liedloff

Jean Liedloff was an American author and child development expert best known for her influential book "The Continuum Concept" (1975), in which she argues for the benefits of attachment parenting based on her observations of indigenous tribes in South America. Her writing style is characterized by a blend of personal narrative and anthropological insights, emphasizing the importance of natural parenting practices. Liedloff's work has sparked discussions on child-rearing, culture, and the connection between upbringing and human behavior.

Book Details

Key information about the book.

Authors
Jean Liedloff
Published
January 1986
Publisher
Da Capo Press
ISBN
0201050714
Language
English
Pages
196
Genres
Emotional Well-being in PregnancyHealth and WellnessParentingParenting Techniques

Purchase Options

Amazon logoBuy on Amazon
BookShop logoBuy via BookShop

Support local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!

Similar books you might like →

Baby 411Book binding

Baby 411

Ari Brown, Denise Fields

Simplicity ParentingBook binding

Simplicity Parenting

Kim John Payne, Lisa M. Ross

The Gentle Parenting BookBook binding

The Gentle Parenting Book

Sarah Ockwell-Smith

Calm Parents, Happy KidsBook binding

Calm Parents, Happy Kids

Dr. Laura Markham

Unconditional ParentingBook binding

Unconditional Parenting

Alfie Kohn

The Attachment Parenting BookBook binding

The Attachment Parenting Book

William Sears, Martha Sears

Peaceful Parent, Happy KidsBook binding

Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids

Laura Markham

Parenting with Love and LogicBook binding

Parenting with Love and Logic

Foster Cline, Jim Fay

Showing 8 of 30 similar books

Take your reading experience to the next level

Download our mobile app to enjoy your favorite books on the go. Get access to exclusive features, offline listening, and personalized recommendations.

Download on the App Store

Book Collections you might like →

David Heinemeier Hansson's Book Recommendations

David Heinemeier Hansson's Book Recommendations

David Heinemeier Hansson, also known as DHH, is a Danish programmer, entrepreneur, and author, best known as the creator of Ruby on Rails, a popular web application framework. Heinemeier Hansson is also a partner at Basecamp, a project management and collaboration software company he co-founded. His contributions to software development have earned him widespread recognition, with Ruby on Rails being used by thousands of developers and companies worldwide. Heinemeier Hansson is also a vocal advocate for remote work, simplicity in business, and sustainable work practices, ideas he explores in his bestselling books Rework and It Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work. In addition to his work in tech, he is an accomplished race car driver, having competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Heinemeier Hansson’s approach to work-life balance and entrepreneurship has made him a thought leader in the tech community, where he continues to challenge traditional business practices and advocate for more human-centered approaches to work

View Collection
Lori Gottlieb's Book Recommendations

Lori Gottlieb's Book Recommendations

Lori Gottlieb is a psychotherapist, bestselling author, and columnist known for her book Maybe You Should Talk to Someone, which offers an insightful and personal look into the world of therapy from both the therapist and client perspectives. Gottlieb’s writing is praised for its humor, depth, and vulnerability as she explores themes of self-discovery, healing, and human connection. She also writes the “Dear Therapist” column for The Atlantic, offering advice rooted in her clinical experience. Lori’s work continues to bridge the gap between therapy and the general public, making mental health more accessible.

View Collection
Emily Oster's Book Recommendations

Emily Oster's Book Recommendations

Emily Oster is an economist and professor at Brown University, known for her data-driven approach to parenting. She is the author of popular books like Expecting Better and Cribsheet, where she uses economics to debunk common parenting myths and offer evidence-based advice. Emily’s research empowers parents to make informed decisions based on data rather than societal pressure. Her approachable style has made her a favorite among modern parents seeking clarity in an overwhelming information landscape. She continues to challenge conventional wisdom with a focus on making parenting less stressful.

View Collection
Emilia Clarke's Book Recommendations

Emilia Clarke's Book Recommendations

Emilia Clarke is a British actress best known for her iconic role as Daenerys Targaryen in the critically acclaimed television series "Game of Thrones," which earned her multiple award nominations. Although her primary fame stems from her acting career, Clarke has also ventured into literature. She co-authored the comic book series "M.O.M.: Mother of Madness," which showcases her creative versatility. Clarke's work in both acting and writing highlights her dedication to storytelling in various forms. Additionally, she is an advocate for several charitable causes, including her own foundation, SameYou, which supports brain injury recovery.

View Collection
Ana Fabrega's Book Recommendations

Ana Fabrega's Book Recommendations

Ana Lorena Fabrega is an innovative educator and author passionate about reimagining education. Known as “Ms. Fab,” she is the Chief Evangelist at Synthesis, an education startup inspired by the problem-solving and collaboration model used at SpaceX. She advocates for alternative learning methods, encouraging curiosity and creativity in students. Ana's work emphasizes the importance of engaging young learners in real-world challenges and critical thinking. She also shares insights on education reform through her popular newsletter, Fab Fridays.

View Collection
Jocko Willink's Book Recommendations

Jocko Willink's Book Recommendations

Jocko Willink is a retired Navy SEAL officer, renowned for his leadership during the Battle of Ramadi in the Iraq War, which earned him the Silver Star and Bronze Star. Transitioning from military service, he co-authored the best-selling book "Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win" with fellow SEAL Leif Babin, which has become a cornerstone in leadership and management literature. Willink has also written the "Way of the Warrior Kid" series, aimed at empowering young readers with principles of discipline and resilience. Additionally, he hosts the popular "Jocko Podcast," where he discusses leadership, discipline, and personal development. Willink's influence extends beyond literature through his Echelon Front leadership consultancy, helping organizations implement effective leadership strategies.

View Collection
Charlize Theron's Book Recommendations

Charlize Theron's Book Recommendations

Charlize Theron is a South African-American actress, producer, and philanthropist, known for her roles in a wide range of films, from action blockbusters to critically acclaimed dramas. She gained international recognition for her performance in Monster, for which she won an Academy Award for Best Actress. Theron’s versatility as an actress is evident in her work in films such as Mad Max: Fury Road, Atomic Blonde, and Bombshell. Beyond acting, she is a producer through her company, Denver and Delilah Productions, and has been involved in various socially conscious films. Theron is also an outspoken advocate for women’s rights and LGBTQ+ equality, using her platform to bring attention to issues such as domestic violence and HIV/AIDS through her Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project. In addition to her humanitarian efforts, Theron continues to push boundaries as one of the most powerful women in Hollywood, often taking on physically demanding roles that challenge traditional gender norms.

View Collection
Dr. Harvey Karp's Book Recommendations

Dr. Harvey Karp's Book Recommendations

Dr. Harvey Karp is a renowned pediatrician and child development expert, best known for his groundbreaking method for calming infants, as detailed in The Happiest Baby on the Block. He is the creator of the SNOO Smart Sleeper, a robotic crib designed to help babies sleep safely and soundly. Dr. Karp has been a leading voice in pediatric health for decades, emphasizing the importance of sleep for both babies and parents. His methods have revolutionized infant care and parenting techniques. He continues to advocate for improved early childhood development practices.

View Collection

Showing 8 of 14 related collections

The most important aspect of our development is not how we are cared for, but how we care for one another.

The Continuum Concept

By Jean Liedloff

Frequently Asked Questions