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I deny the lawfulness of telling a lie to a sick man for…

“I deny the lawfulness of telling a lie to a sick man for fear of alarming him; you have no business with consequences, you are to tell the truth.” quote by Samuel Johnson
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“I deny the lawfulness of telling a lie to a sick man for fear of alarming him; you have no business with consequences, you are to tell the truth.”

Samuel Johnson

About This Quote

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

One must always tell the truth to the sick, avoiding lies that could cause harm.

In simple terms: Always tell the truth to a sick person, even if it's hard.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize honesty over comfort in delicate situations.

Themes

ethics truthfulness caregiving

Mood

thoughtful serious

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • hospital visits
  • patient counseling
  • family discussions
  • clinical training

Key Concepts

medical ethics moral philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

  • When is it acceptable to with a truth?
  • How do you balance honesty and compassion?
A Different Perspective

Truth may cause distress; sometimes compassionate omission is considered.

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