Benefits Quote by Hippocrates
“Correct is to recognize what diseases are and whence they come; which are long and which are short; which are mortal and which are not; which are in the process of changing into others; which are increasing and which are diminishing; which are major and which are minor; to treat the diseases that can be treated, but to recognize the ones that cannot be, and to know why they cannot be; by treating patients with the former, to give them the benefit of treatment as far as it is possible.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: On the Nature of Diseases, ancient Greek text
Physicians must distinguish disease types, treatable versus untreatable, and understand why some cannot be cured.
In simple terms: Know disease kinds and limits of treatment.
Focus on treatable illnesses, accept limits.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- hospital practice
- public health policy
- medical education
- research prioritization
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What criteria guide treatment decisions?
- How do we balance hope and realistic outcomes?
Modern medicine still faces many untreatable conditions despite advances.