I'm trying to knock the medical profession into accepting its responsibilities, and those responsibilities include assisting their patients with death.
Jack KevorkianRead
First of all, do any of you here think it's a crime to help a suffering human end his agony? Any of you think it is? Say so right now. Well, then, what are we doing here?
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote questions the moral implications of assisting those in pain, challenging the audience's views on suffering and mercy.
Jack Kevorkian's provocative statement highlights the ethical dilemmas surrounding euthanasia and the role of compassion in alleviating suffering. By directly engaging the audience and asking them to reflect on their beliefs, he prompts a deeper consideration of the societal and moral responsibilities toward those in anguish, ultimately questioning why such discussions are often avoided.
Themes
EuthanasiaMercySufferingAgonyEthicsCompassion
In practice
Example use cases
In a public debate on assisted dying, this quote could serve as a powerful opener to challenge opposing views.
More from Jack Kevorkian
All quotes →My aim in helping the patient was not to cause death. My aim was to end suffering. It's got to be decriminalized.
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The patient decides when it's best to go.
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Five to six thousand people die every year waiting for organs, but nobody cares.
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