ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the focus is instead on what Rene Dubos said were the real determinants of health: the establishment of equilibrium with pathogens through collective construction of healthy ecosystems. Turning to excrement: while human “wearing out” results in strokes and heart disease worldwide, these are the top causes of death only in highly affluent cultures. Regarding individual health and health care, the discussion might start at points at which there appear to be clear cultural differences. Clear differences also exist between cultures regarding the social and environmental conditions under which health care is delivered and compensated. Construction of a dramatic simulation of the respect accorded to hospitals in current warfare is recommended. Questions of how to address the sheer magnitude of the problem of sanitation and waste disposal should lead to innovative speculations and simulations.
