On the irreducible individuality of the person and the fullness of life: simon gray's smoking diaries.
This article aims to challenge and expand notions of health, health care and health promotion, particularly in relation to smoking, via a consideration of the autobiographical literary work of the English playwright, Simon Gray. Gray died in 2008, having written a series of reflective autobiographical books, The Smoking Diaries. Gray was a lifelong smoker, perpetually trying to give up his habit. This article introduces Gray's diaries and their reflections on life, death, health care and smoking. It then enquires what can be learned about contemporary health care practices and assumptions from Gray's work. Finally, it reflects on the limits of views of health and health promotion when considered in the light of a fully lived life. In the life under consideration, health care risks are very differently understood to those prevalent in the medical community. Literary approaches to thinking about smoking are thus seen to place health and health care in broader, richer, and less instrumental perspectives than those that are common amongst contemporary health professionals and institutions.
Pattison
Stephen
S
Philosophy Theology and Religion, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK. S.Pattison.1@bham.ac.uk
Heath
Iona
I
D001293:Attitude to Death; D001325:Autobiographies as Topic; D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D006293:Health Promotion; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006801:Humans; D007206:Individuality; D008091:Literature; D012907:Smoking / Q000523:psychology*; D026712:Value of Life