The art is long, life is short
HippocratesRead
Declare the past, diagnose the present, foretell the future; practice these acts. _x000D_ As to diseases, make a habit of two things--to help, or at least to do no harm.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of understanding the past and present to predict and improve the future, particularly in the context of healing.
Hippocrates' quote highlights the essential practices of reflection, diagnosis, and foresight in any field, especially in medicine. He advocates for a balanced approach to dealing with diseases by either actively helping those in need or ensuring that one's actions do not cause harm, underscoring the ethical responsibility of caregivers.
Themes
PastPresentFutureHealthMedicineResponsibilityEthics
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a medical conference to stress the importance of ethical practices.
More from Hippocrates
All quotes βThe 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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