On with Kara Swisher The Problem with Wellness Culture, According to Dr. Zeke Emanuel
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Jan 19, 2026 
Dr. Zeke Emanuel, an oncologist and bioethicist who helped shape the Affordable Care Act, shares insights from his latest book. He argues that the obsession with longevity often overshadows meaningful living. Emanuel critiques wellness fads for complicating healthy habits and emphasizes the importance of social relationships. He discusses the balance of moderate drinking, the risks of smoking and vaccine hesitancy, and proposes sensible nutrition, urging people to embrace simple joys—like eating ice cream—while maintaining health.
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Purpose Beats Pure Longevity
- Living longer is not an end in itself; it must serve a meaningful purpose in your life.
- Zeke Emanuel warns longevity obsession replaces finding a compelling "why" for living.
Wellness Is Overcomplicated, Relationships Aren't
- Wellness advice has become both overly complicated and overly simplistic at once.
- Emanuel emphasizes social relationships as the single most important factor for health and happiness.
Don't Celebrate With Deadly Stunts
- Avoid high-risk thrills that dramatically raise mortality like climbing Everest.
- Emanuel ranks Everest as far riskier than many extreme sports and calls it a schmuck move.
