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Surgery is the red flower that blooms among the leaves and thorns that are the rest of medicine.
Richard Selzer
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Surgery is a vital and remarkable aspect of medicine, standing out despite its challenges.

This quote by Richard Selzer emphasizes the unique and transformative nature of surgery within the broader field of medicine. While medicine encompasses a variety of practices that may seem less glamorous or effective, surgery is portrayed as a powerful and beautiful solution to complex health issues, akin to a striking flower that flourishes among the less appealing elements of thorns and leaves.

Themes

SurgeryMedicineTransformationScienceBeauty

In practice

Example use cases

A keynote speech at a medical conference emphasizing the role of surgery in healthcare.

More from Richard Selzer

And If the surgeon is like a poet, then the scars you have made on countless bodies are like verses into the fashioning of which you have poured your soul.
Richard SelzerRead

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