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Now of the difficulties bound up with the public in which…

“Now of the difficulties bound up with the public in which we doctors work, I hesitate to speak in a mixed audience. Common sense in matters medical is rare, and is usually in inverse ratio to the degree of education.” quote by William Osler
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“Now of the difficulties bound up with the public in which we doctors work, I hesitate to speak in a mixed audience. Common sense in matters medical is rare, and is usually in inverse ratio to the degree of education.”

William Osler

About This Quote

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

Medical professionals often find that higher education does not guarantee common sense in practice, leading to a paradoxical relationship.

In simple terms: More education, less common sense sometimes.

Key Takeaway

Balance knowledge with practical judgment.

Themes

medicine education communication

Mood

reflective cautious

Type

philosophical clinical

When to use this quote

  • patient consultations
  • medical training
  • public health messaging

Key Concepts

Heuristics expertise gap

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can doctors improve common sense in practice?
  • What role does experience play in medical judgment?
A Different Perspective

Assuming education alone ensures competence can be misleading.

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