In the last month I’ve given the revised The China Study by Campbell to several people who expressed an interest in healthy eating. Since it had been over ten years since I read and reread the book I thought I should read the new version. It’s as good as ever! And it should be read by anyone interested in health; nutrition; how big business, government, academics and organized medicine work together to make money, often not in the best interests of health-seeking individuals.

Campbell’s delightful synopsis of a Plato dialogue between Socrates and Glaucon is remarkable for its similarity to the present day situation. My summary:

Socrates- People should eat barley, wheat, boiled vegetables with relishes; desserts of figs, peas, beans, berries, nuts; and wine in moderation, passing their days in tranquility and sound health, probably living to an advanced age.

Glaucon- Yours is a diet fit for swine. People should recline on couches eating a modern rich diet including meat.

Socrates- Everyone will suffer from inflammation and we will need many doctors. (Glaucon agreed.)

Socrates- this luxurious city will be short of good land because of all the acreage needed for livestock. People will take land from others leading to war and violence. Many of the best will rush to become doctors and lawyers in this city of sickness and strife.

Wow! Socrates had it figured out almost 2500 years ago. He and Plato are revered as the greatest of wise men to this day, but when was the last time you’ve heard about this dialogue?