The art is long, life is short
HippocratesRead
Life is short, and the Art long; the occasion fleeting; experience fallacious, and judgment difficult. The physician must not only be prepared to do what is right himself, but also to make the patient, the attendants, and externals cooperate.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Life is brief and complex, requiring cooperation and sound judgment in both practice and in care.
This quote by Hippocrates emphasizes the brevity of life contrasted with the long and intricate nature of art and practice. It suggests that not only must a physician have the ability to make sound decisions, but they must also foster collaboration among everyone involved in a patient's care, highlighting the importance of teamwork and communication in achieving the best outcomes.
Themes
LifeWisdomArtJudgmentHealthPhysicianCooperation
In practice
Example use cases
In a medical conference, I would use this quote to discuss the importance of holistic patient care.
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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