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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…” quote by Hippocrates
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“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.”

Hippocrates

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.

Key Takeaway

Focus on treatable illnesses, accept limits.

Themes

medicine diagnosis ethics humility

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

clinical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • hospital practice
  • public health policy
  • medical education
  • research prioritization

Key Concepts

clinical reasoning patient care limitations of science

Questions to Reflect On

  • What criteria guide treatment decisions?
  • How do we balance hope and realistic outcomes?
A Different Perspective

Modern medicine still faces many untreatable conditions despite advances.

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