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Adam Quote by Bertrand Russell

“It is a curious and painful fact that almost all the completely futile treatments that have been believed in during the long history of medical folly have been such as caused acute suffering to the patient. When anesthetics were discovered, pious people considered them an attempt to evade the will…” quote by Bertrand Russell
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“It is a curious and painful fact that almost all the completely futile treatments that have been believed in during the long history of medical folly have been such as caused acute suffering to the patient. When anesthetics were discovered, pious people considered them an attempt to evade the will of God. It was pointed out, however, that when God extracted Adam's rib He put him into a deep sleep. This proved that anesthetics are all right for men; women, however, ought to suffer, because of the curse of Eve.”

Bertrand Russell

About This Quote

Source Book: The Practice and Theory of Bolshevism, 1920

Medical treatments historically caused suffering, yet progress like anesthetics faced moral objections despite evidence of benefit.

In simple terms: Old cures caused pain; new cures faced moral doubts.

Key Takeaway

Question evidence over superstition.

Themes

medicine ethics history science religion

Mood

critical thoughtful

Type

philosophical historical

When to use this quote

  • hospital practice
  • patient care
  • religious debate
  • medical innovation

Key Concepts

skepticism human suffering progress

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do cultural beliefs shape medical acceptance?
  • What role should evidence play in ethical debates?
A Different Perspective

Moral objections can hinder beneficial advances.

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