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The doctor arrived towards dinnertime and said, of course…

“The doctor arrived towards dinnertime and said, of course, that although recurring phenomena might well elicit apprehension, nonetheless there was, strictly speaking, no positive indication, yet since neither was there any contraindication, it might, on the one hand, be supposed, but on the other…” quote by Leo Tolstoy
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““The doctor arrived towards dinnertime and said, of course, that although recurring phenomena might well elicit apprehension, nonetheless there was, strictly speaking, no positive indication, yet since neither was there any contraindication, it might, on the one hand, be supposed, but on the other hand it might also be supposed. And it was therefore necessary to stay in bed, and although I don't like prescribing, nevertheless take this and stay in bed.””

Leo Tolstoy

About This Quote

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

A doctor’s vague reassurance leads to unnecessary confinement, highlighting how ambiguous advice can cause inaction.

In simple terms: Unclear guidance can keep you stuck.

Key Takeaway

Seek clear, actionable advice.

Themes

health authority indecision

Mood

conflicted anxious

Type

cautionary reflective

When to use this quote

  • hospital stay
  • self‑care
  • decision making

Key Concepts

medical advice patient autonomy

Questions to Reflect On

  • What would you do if faced with vague professional advice?
  • How can you verify the necessity of a prescribed action?
A Different Perspective

If the doctor had been decisive, the patient might have recovered sooner.

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