The art of healing comes from nature, not from the physician. Therefore the physician must start from nature, with an open mind.
ParacelsusRead
That which lives on reason lives against the spirit.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The pursuit of reason can sometimes conflict with our spiritual or emotional experiences.
Paracelsus' quote suggests that an life solely guided by reason and logic may lead one to neglect or even oppose the deeper, spiritual aspects of existence. It implies that a balanced life requires harmony between rational thought and the richness of the human spirit, indicating that an overemphasis on reason can diminish the fullness of life.
Themes
ReasonSpiritBalancePhilosophyLife
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about the importance of emotional intelligence in decision-making.
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It should be forbidden and severely punished to remove cancer by cutting, burning, cautery, and other fiendish tortures. It is from nature that the disease comes, and from nature comes the cure, not from physicians.
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Life is like music, it must be composed by ear, feeling and instinct, not by rule. Nevertheless one had better know the rules, for they sometimes guide in doubtful cases, though not often.
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