In this profound and eye-opening episode of The Dr. Hyman Show, Dr. Mark Hyman sits down with social philosopher and strategist Daniel Schmachtenberger to dissect the root causes of the chronic disease epidemic. We are not just getting sick; we are being made sick by the very systems we've built. The conversation moves beyond surface-level health advice to uncover the deep-seated reasons why humanity is facing chronic illness, from diabetes to dementia, and what it truly means to reclaim our health and agency in a world that often profits from our sickness. Daniel Schmachtenberger, a founding voice behind The Consilience Project, provides a powerful framework for understanding "anthropogenic disease"—illnesses caused by human activity. Together, he and Dr. Hyman explore how our modern world, driven by capitalism and technology, has created an environment where disease flourishes. They reveal how industrial systems, from mining to agriculture, have unleashed a torrent of environmental toxins like lead, mercury, and pesticides into our lives, with devastating consequences for our brains and bodies. This discussion also confronts the failures of our "sick-care" system. Dr. Hyman and Daniel expose how medical statistics can be misleading , why the current paradigm often fails to address root causes , and how the system itself can sometimes cause more harm (iatrogenesis). They contrast this with the principles of Functional Medicine, a revolutionary approach that seeks to understand the complex web of causes—from hidden infections and gut imbalances to nutrient deficiencies and psychological stress—and provides a roadmap for creating health rather than just managing symptoms. This episode is a call to action. It’s about understanding the systemic rackets at play , breaking free from the "derealization" and learned helplessness that keep us stuck, and taking back control of our health. It offers a crucial lens on the systems shaping our well-being and provides tangible steps to build a future where prevention and true health are prioritized for everyone.