Skip to content

Disease Quote by Hippocrates

“Declare the past, diagnose the present, foretell the future; practice these acts. As to diseases, make a habit of two things--to help, or at least to do no harm.” quote by Hippocrates
Download Open image
“Declare the past, diagnose the present, foretell the future; practice these acts. As to diseases, make a habit of two things--to help, or at least to do no harm.”

Hippocrates

About This Quote

Source Treatise: Hippocratic Corpus, c. 400 BC

One should assess history, understand current conditions, and anticipate what, while acting responsibly to help or avoid harm.

In simple terms: Learn from past, understand now, plan ahead, and do no harm.

Key Takeaway

Apply reflective practice and ethical action.

Themes

reflection ethics planning

Mood

thoughtful serious

Type

advice philosophical

When to use this quote

  • medical practice
  • business strategy
  • personal development
  • policy making

Key Concepts

Historical analysis diagnosis forecasting nonmaleficence

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you balance prediction with flexibility?
  • What safeguards ensure you do no harm?
A Different Perspective

May overlook unpredictable variables or overreliance on past patterns.

4.3 out of 5 (10 ratings)

More by Hippocrates

Explore all 177 Hippocrates quotes

More Disease quotes

Browse all 3,437 Disease quotes