Green tea: prevention and treatment of cancer by nutraceuticals.

social engagement. This will not be simply a matter of income, although income is one way of measuring position in the hierarchy. Linking inequality in society with loss of dignity in individuals who are disadvantaged means that our set of social arrangements are crucial. By holding society responsible for human ills, including loss of dignity, are we not abrogating personal responsibility? The answer is no. And is not being responsible for one’s own life fundamental to one’s own dignity? Taking personal responsibility for one’s life is fundamental to human dignity—it is exercising autonomy and control. But society can determine the extent to which individuals are offered that opportunity. Greater inequality in society is likely to mean deprivation of education and other fundamentals that lead to health and autonomy. Without these, the individual cannot function fully in society. He is not put in a position where he can take responsibility for what happens to him. He is, in other words, deprived of human dignity. Dignity can be an attitude of mind that should dictate how we treat individuals. This attitude of mind should affect our social policy arrangements. Michael Marmot International Centre for Health and Society, University College London, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, London WC1E 6BT, UK [email protected]