Ardent Quote by Honore de Balzac
“A sick man, surrounded by those who love him, nursed by those who wish earnestly that he should live, will recover (all other things being equal), when another patient tended by hirelings will die. Doctors decline to see unconscious magnestism in this phenomenon; for them it is the result of intelligent nursing, of exact obedience to their orders; but many a mother knows the virtue of such ardent projections of strong, unceasing prayer.”
About This Quote
The passage suggests that a devoted, loving environment can help a sick person recover, while another's death may be seen as a catalyst for that recovery, highlighting the power of compassionate care and prayer.
In simple terms: Compassionate care and prayer can aid recovery, even as others die.
Value caring, prayer, and community support for healing.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- hospitals
- home care
- palliative settings
- family gatherings
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does community support influence recovery?
- What ethical limits exist in viewing others' suffering as beneficial?
Relying on others' deaths as a catalyst raises moral concerns.