Skip to content

When Death lurks at the door, the physician is considered…

“When Death lurks at the door, the physician is considered as a God. When danger has been overcome, the physician is looked upon as an angel. When the patient begins to convalesce, the physician becomes a mere human. When the physician asks for his fees, he is considered as the devil himself.” quote by Hendrik Goltzius
Download Open image
“When Death lurks at the door, the physician is considered as a God. When danger has been overcome, the physician is looked upon as an angel. When the patient begins to convalesce, the physician becomes a mere human. When the physician asks for his fees, he is considered as the devil himself.”

Hendrik Goltzius

About This Quote

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

Physicians are revered as divine or demonic figures depending on circumstances and expectations.

In simple terms: Physicians shift between godlike and devilish perceptions.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the humanity behind medical roles.

Themes

medicine perception authority ethics patient care social expectations

Mood

critical empathetic

Type

philosophical observational

When to use this quote

  • clinical practice
  • patient communication
  • healthcare policy
  • public health outreach

Key Concepts

sociology medical ethics psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do expectations affect doctor-patient trust?
  • What balances reverence with realistic care?
A Different Perspective

Idealized views can create unrealistic expectations.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More Angel quotes

Browse all 4,625 Angel quotes