Angus Deaton has written a wonderful book, The Great Escape: Health, Wealth, and the Origins of Inequality. . . . Deaton's book is a magisterial overview of health, income, and wealth from the industrial revolution to the present, taking in countries poor and rich. Not just jargon-free but equation-free, the book is written with a beautifully lucid style. . . . [P]owerfully argued and convincing.

Low income is related to poorer housing, poorer diet, fewer social amenities, worse working conditions. (...) After adjustment for age, sex, race, smoking, alcohol consumption, sleep habits, leisure-time physical activity, chest pain, diabetes, or cancer, there was still an increase risk of 1.6 for those with inadequate incomes.

Saying we can't afford to invest in early child development means we're storing up bigger costs in the future.

There's good evidence that if people are disempowered, if they have little control over their lives, if they're socially isolated or unable to participate fully in society, then there are biological effects.

Health inequalities and the social determinants of health are not a footnote to the determinants of health. They are the main issue.

I love Australia. I mean it's, how can you not? It's an incredibly beautiful country. I like the people, I like the country, I love it. I mean it's wonderful.

Once you get off the ladder you'll never get back on.