Class Quote by John of Salisbury
“The common people say, that physicians are the class of people who kill other men in the most polite and courteous manner.”
About This Quote
Source Treat: Policraticus, 1159
Physicians are portrayed as polite killers, highlighting the paradox of healing through invasive means.
In simple terms: Doctors can be seen as polite killers.
Key Takeaway
Question the ethics of medical intervention.
Themes
ethics
medicine
paradox
Mood
skeptical
reflective
Type
aphilosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- hospital practice
- end‑of‑life care
- patient consent
- medical training
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
professional duty
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you trust your doctor’s motives?
- How does bedside manner affect perception of care?
A Different Perspective
The quote may exaggerate for rhetorical effect, not reflecting all physicians.
![“Among all the liberal arts, the first is logic, and specifically that part of logic which gives initial instruction about words. ... [T]he word "logic" has a broad meaning, and is not restricted exclusively to the science of argumentative reasoning. [It includes] Grammar [which] is "the science of…” quote by John of Salisbury](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/49d/john-of-salisbury-36405_art_among-all-the-liberal-arts-the-first-is_1929000.jpg)
