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Doctors always think anybody doing something they aren't is a quack; also they think all patients are idiots.
Flannery O'Connor
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote reflects the bias and arrogance that can exist within the medical profession towards those who pursue unconventional methods or self-directed care.

Flannery O'Connor's quote critiques the medical establishment by highlighting the disdain some doctors feel towards alternative approaches to health and their condescending attitude towards patients. It underscores a broader commentary on expertise, authority, and the relationship between practitioners and those they serve, suggesting that an inflexible belief in one's own methods can lead to a lack of understanding and respect for individual choices in health care.

Themes

DoctorsPatientsHealthcareQuackeryAuthority

In practice

Example use cases

This quote could be used in a discussion about the healthcare system during a medical conference.

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