---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: So it is that once a person has settled…"
description: "\"“So it is that once a person has settled on the question as to what is wrong, the choice of cures is limited. You do not prescribe surgery for a minor ..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/be7/eugene-l-lowry-25699_human-condition_so-it-is-that-once-a-person-has-settled_564603.jpg"
---

#  So it is that once a person has settled on the question as…

![“So it is that once a person has settled on the question as to what is wrong, the choice of cures is limited. You do not prescribe surgery for a minor cut, nor do you put a Band-Aid on cancer. The question of the human condition is, I believe, the most fundamental and consequential question of all.” quote by Eugene L. Lowry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/be7/eugene-l-lowry-25699_human-condition_so-it-is-that-once-a-person-has-settled_564603.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/be7/eugene-l-lowry-25699_human-condition_so-it-is-that-once-a-person-has-settled_564603.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/be7/eugene-l-lowry-25699_human-condition_so-it-is-that-once-a-person-has-settled_564603.jpg)

> ““So it is that once a person has settled on the question as to what is wrong, the choice of cures is limited. You do not prescribe surgery for a minor cut, nor do you put a Band-Aid on cancer. The question of the human condition is, I believe, the most fundamental and consequential question of all.””

[Eugene L. Lowry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eugene-l-lowry/)

## About This Quote

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

Identifying a problem determines the range of possible solutions; minor fixes cannot address deep, systemic issues, so recognizing the true nature of a problem is essential for effective remedy.

**In simple terms:** Understanding the real problem limits the cures you can apply.

Key Takeaway

Diagnose the core issue before choosing a remedy.

Themes

problem solving health philosophy ethics decision making

Mood

thoughtful serious inquisitive

Type

analytical philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

- personal health crises
- organizational change
- public policy
- social reform

Key Concepts

systems thinking diagnostic reasoning critical analysis

Questions to Reflect On

- What underlying issues might you be overlooking?
- How does framing a problem shape the solutions you consider?

A Different Perspective

If the problem is misidentified, even the best cure will fail.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Human condition](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/human-condition/)

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## More by Eugene L. Lowry

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> [ “\[...\] if Jesus is not the answer to the human condition, there is no answer.” ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nik-ripken/if-jesus-is-not-the-answer-to-the-human-condition-there-is-no-answer/)

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