Medicine, as we are practising it, is a luxury trade. We…
“Medicine, as we are practising it, is a luxury trade. We are selling bread at the price of jewels... Let us take the profit, the private economic profit, out of medicine, and purify our profession of rapacious individualism... Let us say to the people not 'How much have you got?' but 'How best can we serve you?”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Medicine should serve humanity, not profit; prioritize patient care over financial gain.
In simple terms: Doctors should help people, not make money.
Key Takeaway
Focus on patient welfare above profit.
Themes
ethics
healthcare
social justice
Mood
compassionate
critical
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- hospital policy
- doctor‑patient interactions
- healthcare funding
Key Concepts
altruism
professionalism
economic inequality
Questions to Reflect On
- How can doctors balance ethics with financial realities?
- What reforms could reduce profit‑driven care?
A Different Perspective
Profit motives can conflict with care quality.