Skip to content

We have to understand that medicine is not simply a…

“We have to understand that medicine is not simply a science. It's much more than that. It's also an ideology. It's a way of looking at human beings. So when we look at human beings as individuals, without understand the importance of their social relationships and their emotional, psychological…” quote by Gabor Maté
Download Open image
““We have to understand that medicine is not simply a science. It's much more than that. It's also an ideology. It's a way of looking at human beings. So when we look at human beings as individuals, without understand the importance of their social relationships and their emotional, psychological interactions with others, that's actually a manifestation of the individualistic perspective of the entrepeneur who says that "only I matter and what I gain or I control matters." And we are all in competition with one another. So, you see that economical, ideological perspective also showing up in its own particular way in the practice of medicine.””

Gabor Maté

About This Quote

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

Medicine is portrayed as an ideology that often neglects social and emotional contexts, reflecting an individualistic, competitive mindset that undermines holistic care.

In simple terms: Medicine can be overly individualistic, ignoring social ties.

Key Takeaway

Integrate social and emotional dimensions into care.

Themes

medicine ideology individualism social relationships holistic care

Mood

critical thoughtful

Type

analytical ethical

When to use this quote

  • patient care
  • public health policy
  • medical education

Key Concepts

healthcare psychology sociology

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can clinicians shift perspective?
  • What systemic changes support holistic care?
A Different Perspective

Balancing ideology with science is challenging.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Gabor Maté

Explore all 244 Gabor Maté quotes

More Doctor quotes

Browse all 3,922 Doctor quotes