The world is full of tigers, but only some of them are real. Learn their ways and you’ll become stronger, wiser, and more resilient.

Our world is in turmoil, bearing down on our minds and bodies with increasing pressure, acute crises, and wicked problems. Our aboriginal bodies—sculpted for success in wild, outdoor environments—have no idea how to adapt. Cortisol surges through our tissue, driving us toward impatience, distress, dysfunctional behavior, and declining health.

The standard narrative tells us that stress is an individual problem with individual solutions. It’s a lifestyle issue, a medical condition, and a challenge to our personal well-being. But the standard narrative gets it wrong. In fact, stress is a systemic, psychosocial problem and a global health issue. It’s a shared predicament that demands collective action. The good news is that stress can actually be the key to unlocking a more functional and fulfilling future for all of us.

Beware False Tigers is a book about focus. It’s about responding appropriately, to the right tigers, in the right proportion, at the right time. As you’ll discover, our encounter with stress can be fascinating, powerful, and incredibly meaningful.