'Men die of the diseases which they have studied most,'…
“'Men die of the diseases which they have studied most,' remarked the surgeon, snipping off the end of a cigar with all his professional neatness and finish. 'It's as if the morbid condition was an evil creature which, when it found itself closely hunted, flew at the throat of its pursuer. If you worry the microbes too much they may worry you. I've seen cases of it, and not necessarily in microbic diseases either. There was, of course, the well-known instance of Liston and the aneurism; and a dozen others that I could mention.'”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Studying a disease too intensely can cause anxiety that harms the observer.
In simple terms: Obsessive focus on illness can be harmful.
Key Takeaway
Balance curiosity with emotional distance.
Themes
health
psychology
anxiety
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- medical research
- clinical practice
- personal health
- stress management
Key Concepts
mind-body interaction
occupational hazard
stress response
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you keep professional focus without personal distress?
- What safeguards can reduce health‑related anxiety?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on risk may lead to unnecessary fear.