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Hygiene is the corruption of medicine by morality. It is…

“Hygiene is the corruption of medicine by morality. It is impossible to find a hygienist who does not debase his theory of the healthful with a theory of the virtuous. ... The aim of medicine is surely not to make men virtuous; it is to safeguard them from the consequences of their vices.” quote by H. L. Mencken
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“Hygiene is the corruption of medicine by morality. It is impossible to find a hygienist who does not debase his theory of the healthful with a theory of the virtuous. ... The aim of medicine is surely not to make men virtuous; it is to safeguard them from the consequences of their vices.”

H. L. Mencken

About This Quote

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

Medical ethics can corrupt pure science by imposing moral judgments.

In simple terms: Morality can distort medical practice.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize scientific integrity over moralizing.

Themes

ethics science morality

Mood

critical skeptical

Type

philosophical analytical

When to use this quote

  • clinical practice
  • public health policy
  • medical education
  • research ethics

Key Concepts

medical philosophy professionalism

Questions to Reflect On

  • Should doctors separate virtue from treatment?
  • Can morality improve patient care?
A Different Perspective

Balancing moral concerns with scientific truth is complex.

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