Art Quote by Gilbert Blane
“And it has been sarcastically said, that there is a wide difference between a good physician and a bad one, but a small difference between a good physician and no physician at all; by which it is meant to insinuate, that the mischievous officiousness of art does commonly more than counterbalance any benefit derivable from it.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: "The Art of Medicine" by Gilbert Blane, 1795
He critiques medical practice, noting that while skillful physicians help, even modest competence is better than none, yet the art can be overly pompous.
In simple terms: A good doctor is better than none, but medical art can be boastful.
Key Takeaway
Value competent care, beware arrogance.
Themes
medicine
competence
humility
ethics
professionalism
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
clinical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- hospital settings
- rural clinics
- emergency response
- public health policy
Key Concepts
medical philosophy
patient care
clinical skill
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you ensure humility in practice?
- When is “no physician” better than a bad one?
A Different Perspective
Overconfidence may harm patient trust.
