The prime goal is to alleviate suffering, and not to…
“The prime goal is to alleviate suffering, and not to prolong life. And if your treatment does not alleviate suffering, but only prolongs life, that treatment should be stopped.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The primary purpose of medicine is to reduce patient suffering; extending life without relief is unethical and should be discontinued.
In simple terms: Medicine should ease pain, not just keep people alive.
Key Takeaway
Stop treatments that only extend life without relief.
Themes
medical ethics
patient care
palliative care
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
ethical
clinical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- end‑of‑life decisions
- palliative care planning
- clinical trial design
- hospital policy discussions
Key Concepts
beneficence
non‑maleficence
quality of life
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance hope for recovery with the reality of suffering?
- When is it appropriate to prioritize quality over quantity of life?
A Different Perspective
Patients may fear death, making it hard to accept cessation of treatment.