Through six stories featuring everyday people, Alice Miller offers an optimistic perspective on personal growth and the future of society.

The author suggests that genuine and honest communication among people, as well as the spreading of truth about certain taboo topics, can lead to positive change for individuals and society as a whole.

The heroes of this book share their lives with each other, including their successes and failures, as well as how they managed to break free from the "dark" aspects of their childhood and the inherited behavioral patterns from their parents.

By highlighting the seriousness of the consequences of oppressive upbringing patterns, strict discipline, and physical punishments, Miller devotes a chapter to the genesis of hatred. She explores the deeper causes of the darkest pages in human history and examines the personal stories of gurus and leaders who have, at times, gained thousands of blind followers.