Casey Gerald says ruining his reputation saved his life
Summary
Casey Gerald discusses his new book, *The Great Refusal*, exploring his decision to abandon elite success and disappear after a breakdown. He critiques the "American machine" for commodifying identity and argues that personal refusal is a form of devotion to one's true self. Gerald shares how his working-class roots in Dallas and his mother's mental illness shaped his view on resilience and finding meaning beyond societal expectations.
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