She described Weil's and Chopra's language and writings as metaphysical. Disease represents spiritual weakness. People can choose to be well or sick. Just as the soul might triumph over the body in religion, the mind triumphs over the body in alternative medicine. She cited Chopra who claims to be able to extend life fifty years to the age of 120.
Most religions have an ethical system.
This one is blatantly narcissistic. Alternative medicine, said Angell, requires that adherents spend almost all their time and energy devoted to themselves. She said that there has not been a widespread reaction from the medical community because in part, doctors are not scientists, and can be drawn to alternative medicine. Angell also described managed health care as overly responsive to consumer demand. HMOs are afraid, in the face of such a powerful consumer movement, to say that the emperor has no clothes.