Skip to content

Patience Quote by Charles Dickens

“How many crumpets, at a sittin', do you think 'ud kill me off at once?" says the patient. "I don't know," says the doctor. "Do you think half-a-crown's wurth 'ud do it?" says the patient. "I think it might," says the doctor.” quote by Charles Dickens
Download Open image
““How many crumpets, at a sittin', do you think 'ud kill me off at once?" says the patient. "I don't know," says the doctor. "Do you think half-a-crown's wurth 'ud do it?" says the patient. "I think it might," says the doctor.””

Charles Dickens

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Pickwick Papers, Charles Dickens, 1836

A humorous exchange highlighting absurd medical advice and the patient's fear of trivial causes of death.

In simple terms: Patient worries about small things causing death.

Key Takeaway

Don’t let minor fears dominate decisions.

Themes

humor health anxiety

Mood

lighthearted ironic

Type

anecdotal humorous

When to use this quote

  • medical consultations
  • everyday conversations
  • stress management

Key Concepts

absurdity communication patient‑doctor dynamic

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you ever overthink small risks?
  • How can humor ease medical anxiety?
A Different Perspective

The joke may downplay genuine health concerns.

4.5 out of 5 (3 ratings)

More by Charles Dickens

Explore all 2,309 Charles Dickens quotes

More Patience quotes

Browse all 7,997 Patience quotes