Thirty million copies of books authored by Augusto Cury had been sold in Brazil by 2017, earning him recognition from Forbes as the country's highest-selling author of the century. Originally trained as a psychiatrist at the Faculty of Medicine of São José do Rio Preto, he transitioned from clinical practice to focus on his own theories of human thought.
Medical Background and Early Career
Born on October 2, 1958, in Colina, Brazil, Augusto Jorge Cury grew up in a family of modest means as the son of Salomão Jorge Cury, a lawyer, and his wife, Ana Regina Brait Cury. During his undergraduate medical studies, he experienced personal psychological distress, an event he later cited as a primary motivator for his research into human thought patterns and emotions. He completed his medical degree in 1984 and spent several years working in the fields of psychiatry and psychotherapy.
Multifocal Intelligence Theory
Over the course of his psychiatric practice, Cury formulated the Multifocal Intelligence Theory. This framework posits that human thought originates from memory and emotion rather than solely conscious intention, suggesting that the self must act as a manager of these automatic processes. He introduced the D.C.D. technique—Doubt, Criticize, and Determine—as a practical application of his model. While his literary output is extensive, these concepts lack formal validation in psychiatric research and have faced criticism for failing to undergo peer review or provide replicable methodology.
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Cury debuted in the late 1990s with his first book, Multifocal Intelligence. Although publishing houses and the media categorized his works as self-help, Cury preferred to frame them as platforms for disseminating his psychological concepts. His commercial reach expanded significantly, moving from 11 million copies sold by 2010 to over 30 million by 2017. His bibliography includes titles such as Brilliant Parents, Fascinating Teachers and The Dreamseller series. He has remained resistant to industry pressure regarding sales figures, viewing competition as an indicator of an unhealthy obsession with fame.
Political Engagement
Cury entered the political arena in 2009 with a brief affiliation with the Green Party. In 2026, he joined the Avante party and declared his candidacy for the Brazilian presidency. His campaign was formally launched on August 3, 2026, at a convention in the Legislative Assembly of São Paulo, with former Federal Deputy Júlio Delgado selected as his running mate.
Fast facts
- Born: 2 October 1958, Colina, Brazil
- Medical Degree: Faculty of Medicine of São José do Rio Preto, 1984
- Primary Field: Psychiatry
- Framework: Multifocal Intelligence Theory
- Technique: D.C.D. (Doubt, Criticize, and Determine)
- Political Affiliation: Avante Party (2026)
- Languages: Portuguese
- Estimated readership: Over 30 million copies sold by 2017
Questions readers ask
What is the Multifocal Intelligence Theory?
It is a framework proposed by Cury that argues thought is driven by automatic mechanisms of memory and emotion rather than conscious will alone.
Does Cury still practice psychiatry?
No. In a 2018 interview, he confirmed he had not engaged in regular clinical practice for approximately a decade.
Did Cury run for office in 2026?
Yes. He was the presidential candidate for the Avante party in the 2026 elections.
