The art is long, life is short
HippocratesRead
The brain of man, like that of all animals is double, being parted down its centre by a thin membrane. For this reason pain is not always felt in the same part of the head, but sometimes on one side, sometimes on the other, and occasionally all over.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the complexity of the human brain and how it can process pain differently across its hemispheres.
Hippocrates' observation about the human brain suggests that its dual structure allows for varied experiences of pain, indicating that our perception of discomfort is not localized but can be distributed across different areas of the brain. This insight underscores the intricate workings of our neural networks and how they contribute to our overall sensory experiences.
Themes
BrainPainPerceptionNeuroscienceHippocratesScience
In practice
Example use cases
In a seminar on neuroscience, quote Hippocrates to illustrate the complexity of pain perception.
More from Hippocrates
All quotes →The body of man has in itself blood, phlegm, yellow bile and black bile; these make up the nature of this body, and through these he feels pain or enjoys health. Now he enjoys the most perfect health when these elements are duly proportioned to one another in respect of compounding, power and bulk, and when they are perfectly mingled.
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That which is used - develops. That which is not used wastes away.
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Cure sometimes, treat often, comfort always.
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Wine is an appropriate article for mankind, both for the healthy body and for the ailing man.
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Walking is man's best medicine.
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