The art is long, life is short
HippocratesRead
Into whatsoever houses I enter, I will enter to help the sick, and I will abstain from all intentional wrong-doing and harm, especially from abusing the bodies of man or woman, bond or free. And whatsoever I shall see or hear in the course of my profession, as well as outside my profession in my intercourse with men, if it be what should not be published abroad, I will never divulge, holding such things to be holy secrets.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the ethical responsibilities of a healer to do no harm, respect privacy, and provide care.
Hippocrates, known as the father of medicine, articulates a foundational principle of medical ethics: to prioritize the well-being of patients while ensuring confidentiality and avoiding any form of harm. This quote highlights the moral obligation healthcare professionals have to treat all individuals with dignity and respect, regardless of their status or circumstances, and underscores the sacred nature of the trust placed in them by society.
Themes
HealthEthicsMedicineCareConfidentialityTrust
In practice
Example use cases
During a medical conference, a speaker quoted Hippocrates to emphasize the importance of medical ethics.
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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