We are all fruits. That is, we are all prone to difference and diversity in our consciousness and ways of being, and attempts to ‘normalise’ human beings only weaken us. This book defines new theoretical framing and debate on ways of seeing diversity in consciousness, and how that influences identity, agency and realpolitiks. It argues for a major change in policies, principles, practices and programs (the 4Ps), so that the lifeworlds of people of difference can be practically uplifted, and the interaction of those in the so-called “mainstream” can be enriched by respectfully engaging as equals with people whose gifts to the world may not be in terms of money production, but rather those essential elements of humanity – heart, mind and soul.

“By their fruits you shall know them” – our current crop are looking pretty unappetising: world poverty & starvation amidst a food glut; massive world debt while one per cent own most of everything; dominance of reasoned rationality that values the stock exchange’s daily moods swings more than how people are feeling and experiencing their lives; where the “war on terror” picks enemies at will and threatens to invade nations, while ignoring the citizens being murdered in neighbouring nations, by dictators who happen to own oil. How’s our fruit smelling now?

Henri Bergson, bell hooks, Elizabeth Grosz, Niklas Rose, Russell Meares, Michael Jackson (NZ anthropologist)