Consolation Quote by Anatole France
“I am a physician. I keep a drug-shop of lies. I give relief, consolation. Can one console and relieve without lying? ... Only women and doctors know how necessary and how helpful lies are to men.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Crime of Sylvestre Bonnard by Anatole France, 1881
The speaker admits to using deception as a therapeutic tool, questioning the ethics of lying for comfort.
In simple terms: Doctors sometimes lie to comfort patients.
Key Takeaway
Consider honesty versus compassion in care.
Themes
ethics
medicine
truth
comfort
deception
Mood
conflicted
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- clinical practice
- patient counseling
- palliative care
- mental health support
Key Concepts
medical ethics
therapeutic deception
Questions to Reflect On
- Is it ever justified to lie to a patient?
- How can truth be offered compassionately?
A Different Perspective
Lying can erode trust and cause long‑term harm.
