The art of healing comes from nature, not from the physician. Therefore the physician must start from nature, with an open mind.
ParacelsusRead
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote criticizes harmful medical practices for treating cancer and advocates for natural remedies instead.
Paracelsus emphasizes the belief that the treatment of diseases like cancer should not involve painful and destructive methods such as cutting or burning. He argues that true healing comes from nature and not from the invasive procedures typically utilized by physicians, suggesting a more holistic, natural approach to health and healing.
Themes
CancerNatureHealingTreatmentMedicine
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech advocating for natural health practices, this quote emphasizes the need for holistic approaches.
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All quotes →Know that the philosopher has power over the stars, and not the stars over him.
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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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What sense would it make or what would it benfit a physician if he discovered the origin of the diseases but could not cure or alleviate them?
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