Conclusion

Ken Wilber calls evolution “spirit in action.” Evolution, the struggle to overcome inertia, stagnation, and maladaptation through a spirited response, lies at the heart of our health dilemmas. Will we evolve a holistic, multifaceted approach, where all dialogue partners can be heard, their contributions integrated and their limits transcended? Or will we continue to cling to partial truths about obesity that bind us to inadequate social interpretations and prejudice? To evolve requires humility and respect for the dangers of imbalance.

Looking at the facets of fat through Wilber’s quadrants promotes humility since no quadrant is discounted nor are any quadrants given final say. Subjective, individual experiences and community interpretations that have wide-ranging implications for health care balance objective, scientific truths about fat. The result is an integrated approach combining body, mind and spirit. Collaborating with Aristotle, Emerson and the sacred wisdom traditions, this way leads us away from repugnance towards wonder.

Bibliography

Atkinson, Brooks, ed. ("Nature", pp. 3-42), The Selected Writings of Ralph Waldo Emerson. New York: Modern Library, 1992.

Boorstin, Daniel J. The Seekers: The Story of Man's Continuing Quest to Understand his World. New York: Random House, 1998.

Some quotations (Baudrillard, Orbach, Whitman) from Microsoft Bookshelf 1998.

Wilber, Ken. A Brief History of Everything. Boston: Shambhala, 1998.

_______. The Eye of the Spirit: An Integral Vision for a World Gone Slightly Mad. Boston: Shambhala, 1998.

_______. Grace and Grit. Boston: Shambhala, 1993.