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Suppose I stopped taking aspirin and phenylbutazone? What…

“Suppose I stopped taking aspirin and phenylbutazone? What about the pain? The bones in my spine and practically every joint in my body felt as though I had been run over by a truck. I knew that pain could be affected by attitudes. Most people become panicky about almost any pain. On all sides they…” quote by Norman Cousins
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““Suppose I stopped taking aspirin and phenylbutazone? What about the pain? The bones in my spine and practically every joint in my body felt as though I had been run over by a truck. I knew that pain could be affected by attitudes. Most people become panicky about almost any pain. On all sides they have been so bombarded with advertisements about pain that they take this or that analgesic at the slightest sign of an ache. We are largely illiterate about pain and so are seldom able to deal with it rationally. Pain is part of the body's magic. It is the way the body transmits a sign to the body that something is wrong.””

Norman Cousins

About This Quote

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

Pain signals bodily harm and can be influenced by mindset; understanding it reduces dependence on medication.

In simple terms: Pain is a warning sign that can be managed with attitude.

Key Takeaway

Learn to interpret pain rather than just mask it.

Themes

health mindset pain management

Mood

thoughtful pragmatic

Type

educational inspirational

When to use this quote

  • chronic illness
  • rehabilitation
  • stress coping
  • medical decision‑making

Key Concepts

biology psychology self‑care

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you differentiate harmful pain from normal discomfort?
  • What attitudes help you cope with chronic pain?
A Different Perspective

Mindset alone cannot eliminate severe medical conditions.

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