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Medicine is my lawful wife, and literature is my mistress…

“Medicine is my lawful wife, and literature is my mistress. When I get fed up with one, I spend the night with the other. Though it is irregular, it is less boring this way, and besides, neither of them loses anything through my infidelity.” quote by Anton Chekhov
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““Medicine is my lawful wife, and literature is my mistress. When I get fed up with one, I spend the night with the other. Though it is irregular, it is less boring this way, and besides, neither of them loses anything through my infidelity.””

Anton Chekhov

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Uses marriage metaphors to describe his devotion to medicine and literature, highlighting a balanced, varied intellectual life.

In simple terms: Medicine is his wife, literature his mistress, both enriching his life.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate multiple passions to avoid monotony.

Themes

balance intellectual curiosity dual pursuits

Mood

playful thoughtful

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

  • career choices
  • creative writing
  • research

Key Concepts

literary analysis medical ethics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you integrate disparate passions?
  • What benefits arise from varied interests?
A Different Perspective

Too many pursuits may dilute focus.

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