---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: There is an element of selfishness to…"
description: "\"“There is an element of selfishness to this, I suppose. It feels pretty good to be able to so quickly help someone. That is, after all, one of the grea..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/63a/kitty-dukakis-85240_memoir_there-is-an-element-of-selfishness-to-th_2868745.jpg"
---

#  There is an element of selfishness to this, I suppose. It…

![“There is an element of selfishness to this, I suppose. It feels pretty good to be able to so quickly help someone. That is, after all, one of the great emotional payoffs of medicine. That isn't to say that ECT is either a panacea or without flaws - but when used in the right way for the right…” quote by Kitty Dukakis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/63a/kitty-dukakis-85240_memoir_there-is-an-element-of-selfishness-to-th_2868745.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/63a/kitty-dukakis-85240_memoir_there-is-an-element-of-selfishness-to-th_2868745.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/63a/kitty-dukakis-85240_memoir_there-is-an-element-of-selfishness-to-th_2868745.jpg)

> ““There is an element of selfishness to this, I suppose. It feels pretty good to be able to so quickly help someone. That is, after all, one of the great emotional payoffs of medicine. That isn't to say that ECT is either a panacea or without flaws - but when used in the right way for the right purposes it's of great benefit, and condemning it because it isn't perfect would lead to more suffering and harm, no less.””

[Kitty Dukakis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kitty-dukakis/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

ECT can be valuable when applied correctly, despite imperfections, and rejecting it outright may cause more harm.

**In simple terms:** ECT works if used properly, despite flaws.

Key Takeaway

Consider benefits of ECT while acknowledging limits.

Themes

medicine ethics mental health

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

medical ethical

When to use this quote

- clinical decision‑making
- health policy debates

Key Concepts

treatment efficacy risk assessment patient care

Questions to Reflect On

- When is ECT appropriate?
- How to balance risks and benefits?

A Different Perspective

CTreating mental illness requires nuanced judgment.

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