--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: We still think of human disease as the…" description: "\"We still think of human disease as the work of an organized, modernized kind of demonology, in which the bacteria are the most visible and centrally pl..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fa0/lewis-thomas-2299_adversaries_we-still-think-of-human-disease-as-the-w_1399937.png" --- # We still think of human disease as the work of an… ![“We still think of human disease as the work of an organized, modernized kind of demonology, in which the bacteria are the most visible and centrally placed of our adversaries. We assume that they must somehow relish what they do.” quote by Lewis Thomas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fa0/lewis-thomas-2299_adversaries_we-still-think-of-human-disease-as-the-w_1399937.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fa0/lewis-thomas-2299_adversaries_we-still-think-of-human-disease-as-the-w_1399937.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fa0/lewis-thomas-2299_adversaries_we-still-think-of-human-disease-as-the-w_1399937.png) > “We still think of human disease as the work of an organized, modernized kind of demonology, in which the bacteria are the most visible and centrally placed of our adversaries. We assume that they must somehow relish what they do.” [Lewis Thomas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lewis-thomas/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. He critiques the outdated view that disease is a battle against a hostile, demon-like enemy, urging a more nuanced understanding of microbes. **In simple terms:** Disease isn’t a war against demons; microbes are complex. Key Takeaway Adopt a balanced, scientific perspective on disease. Themes biology medicine philosophy Mood reflective critical Type analytical thought‑provoking When to use this quote - medical research - public health policy - clinical practice Key Concepts microbiology ecology systems thinking Questions to Reflect On - How does this view change treatment approaches? - What responsibilities do humans have toward microbes? A Different Perspective Overlooks the role of human behavior in disease spread. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Adversaries](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/adversaries/) [Bacteria](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/bacteria/) [Disease](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/disease/) [Humans](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/humans/) [Nature of man](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/nature-of-man/) [Sleep](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sleep/) [Thinking](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/thinking/) ## Related quotes > [“While people like to talk about climate change and global warming, I prefer to talk about the fruition of these which is human disease.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steven-magee/while-people-like-to-talk-about-climate-change-and-global-warming-i/) [Steven Magee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steven-magee/) > [Our intention is not to create cloned human beings, but rather to make lifesaving therapies for a wide range of human disease conditions, including…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-lanza/our-intention-is-not-to-create-cloned-human-beings-but-rather-to-make/) [Robert Lanza](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-lanza/) > [Because of the relationship between programmed cell death and human disease, the identification of the genes and proteins that function in the process of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/h-robert-horvitz/because-of-the-relationship-between-programmed-cell-death-and-human/) [H. Robert Horvitz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/h-robert-horvitz/) > [The ultimate cause of human disease is the consequence of our transgression of the universal laws of life.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paracelsus/the-ultimate-cause-of-human-disease-is-the-consequence-of-our/) [Paracelsus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paracelsus/) > [My mitochondria comprise a very large proportion of me. I cannot do the calculation, but I suppose there is almost as much of them…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lewis-thomas/my-mitochondria-comprise-a-very-large-proportion-of-me-i-cannot-do/) [Lewis Thomas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lewis-thomas/) > [The capacity to blunder slightly is the real marvel of DNA. Without this special attribute, we would still be anaerobic bacteria and there would…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lewis-thomas/the-capacity-to-blunder-slightly-is-the-real-marvel-of-dna-without/) [Lewis Thomas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lewis-thomas/) > [“RELISH! What a special name for the minced pickle sweetly crushed in its white-capped jar. The man who had named it, what a man…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ray-bradbury/relish-what-a-special-name-for-the-minced-pickle-sweetly-crushed-in/) [Ray Bradbury](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ray-bradbury/) > [Boom Bang a Bang was a huge part of me, maybe a part that I didnt relish, and there might be psychological reasons for…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lulu/boom-bang-a-bang-was-a-huge-part-of-me-maybe-a-part-that-i-didnt/) [Lulu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lulu/) > [I love working fast. I don't relish the director who wants to do 25 to 30 takes, or the actors who insist on doing 25 or 30 takes.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alfred-molina/i-love-working-fast-i-don-t-relish-the-director-who-wants-to-do-25-to/) [Alfred Molina](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alfred-molina/) > [You gotta school these young macks comin' up today... I mean to be 'frank', they just hot dogs, The girls are relish, and they…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/big-daddy-kane/you-gotta-school-these-young-macks-comin-up-today-i-mean-to-be-frank/) [Big Daddy Kane](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/big-daddy-kane/) > [We can carry the burden of hurt throughout our lives. We can make the hurt that we have experienced the defining aspect of our…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/desmond-tutu/we-can-carry-the-burden-of-hurt-throughout-our-lives-we-can-make-the/) [Desmond Tutu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/desmond-tutu/) > [We may outgrow the things of children, without acquiring sense and relish for those which become a man.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-lancaster-spalding/we-may-outgrow-the-things-of-children-without-acquiring-sense-and/) [John Lancaster Spalding](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-lancaster-spalding/) > [Just to be told 'you're in a leadership role' - I'd relish whatever.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aaron-ramsdale/just-to-be-told-you-re-in-a-leadership-role-i-d-relish-whatever/) [Aaron Ramsdale](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aaron-ramsdale/) > [I write what I like to read, and I enjoy love triangles in YA and adult fiction - not to mention in other media…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kresley-cole/i-write-what-i-like-to-read-and-i-enjoy-love-triangles-in-ya-and/) [Kresley Cole](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kresley-cole/) > [I relish the time I have when there are no interruptions. Most often the best time for writing is late at night.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/franny-armstrong/i-relish-the-time-i-have-when-there-are-no-interruptions-most-often/) [Franny Armstrong](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/franny-armstrong/) ## More by Lewis Thomas > [“We are endowed with genes which code out our reaction to beavers and otters, maybe our reaction to each other as well. We are…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lewis-thomas/we-are-endowed-with-genes-which-code-out-our-reaction-to-beavers-and/) [Lewis Thomas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lewis-thomas/) > [We are a spectacular, splendid manifestation of life. We have language. . . . We have affection. We have genes for usefulness, and usefulness…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lewis-thomas/we-are-a-spectacular-splendid-manifestation-of-life-we-have-language/) [Lewis Thomas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lewis-thomas/) > [“It is not a simple thing to decide where we fit, for at one time or another in our lives we manage to organize…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lewis-thomas/it-is-not-a-simple-thing-to-decide-where-we-fit-for-at-one-time-or/) [Lewis Thomas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lewis-thomas/) > [It is in our genes to understand the universe if we can, to keep trying even if we cannot, and to be enchanted by…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lewis-thomas/it-is-in-our-genes-to-understand-the-universe-if-we-can-to-keep/) [Lewis Thomas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lewis-thomas/) > [If an idea cannot move on its own, pushing it doesn't help; best to let it lie there.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lewis-thomas/if-an-idea-cannot-move-on-its-own-pushing-it-doesn-t-help-best-to-let/) [Lewis Thomas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lewis-thomas/) > [Left to ourselves, mechanistic and autonomic, we hanker for friends.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lewis-thomas/left-to-ourselves-mechanistic-and-autonomic-we-hanker-for-friends/) [Lewis Thomas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lewis-thomas/) > [I do not agree with this century's fashion of running down the human species as a failed try, a doomed sport. At our worst,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lewis-thomas/i-do-not-agree-with-this-century-s-fashion-of-running-down-the-human/) [Lewis Thomas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lewis-thomas/) > [It would seem to me... an offense against nature, for us to come on the same scene endowed as we are with the curiosity,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lewis-thomas/it-would-seem-to-me-an-offense-against-nature-for-us-to-come-on-the/) [Lewis Thomas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lewis-thomas/) > [The drive to be useful is encoded in our genes. But when we gather in very large numbers, as in the modern nation-state, we…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lewis-thomas/the-drive-to-be-useful-is-encoded-in-our-genes-but-when-we-gather-in/) [Lewis Thomas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lewis-thomas/) > [I would send the complete works of Johann Sebastian Bach into outer space on the Voyager spacecraft. But that would be boasting.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lewis-thomas/i-would-send-the-complete-works-of-johann-sebastian-bach-into-outer/) [Lewis Thomas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lewis-thomas/) > [“Nature abhors a long silence.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lewis-thomas/nature-abhors-a-long-silence/) [Lewis Thomas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lewis-thomas/) > [“The future is too interesting and dangerous to be entrusted to any predictable, reliable agency. We need all the fallibility we can get. Most…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lewis-thomas/the-future-is-too-interesting-and-dangerous-to-be-entrusted-to-any/) [Lewis Thomas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lewis-thomas/) > [We pass the word around; we ponder how the case is put by different people, we read the poetry; we meditate over the literature;…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lewis-thomas/we-pass-the-word-around-we-ponder-how-the-case-is-put-by-different/) [Lewis Thomas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lewis-thomas/) > [“The uniformity of the earth's life, more astonishing than its diversity, is accountable by the high probability that we derived, originally, from some single…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lewis-thomas/the-uniformity-of-the-earth-s-life-more-astonishing-than-its/) [Lewis Thomas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lewis-thomas/) > [Having long suspected that there was something alive in there, running the place, separate from everything else, absolutely individual and independent, we've celebrated by…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lewis-thomas/having-long-suspected-that-there-was-something-alive-in-there-running/) [Lewis Thomas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lewis-thomas/) [Explore all 173 Lewis Thomas quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lewis-thomas/) ## More Adversaries quotes > [In all matters of opinion, our adversaries are insane.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oscar-wilde/in-all-matters-of-opinion-our-adversaries-are-insane/) [Oscar Wilde](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oscar-wilde/) > [Inanimate objects are sometimes parties to litigation. A ship has a legal personality, a fiction found useful for maritime purposes. The corporation sole -…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-o-douglas/inanimate-objects-are-sometimes-parties-to-litigation-a-ship-has-a/) [William O. Douglas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-o-douglas/) > [There were various aspects of Sun Tzu's approach that appealed to Ho Chi Minh: a) to learn to understand both the enemy and yourself,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-j-duiker/there-were-various-aspects-of-sun-tzu-s-approach-that-appealed-to-ho/) [William J. Duiker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-j-duiker/) > [Marriage, in my view, should be a balanced stalemate between equal adversaries.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/marriage-in-my-view-should-be-a-balanced-stalemate-between-equal/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [If an adversary didn't target our power plants but they did target the core routers, the backbones that tie our internet connections together, entire…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-snowden/if-an-adversary-didn-t-target-our-power-plants-but-they-did-target/) [Edward Snowden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-snowden/) > [It's like I'm married to the silencer, Until I file for divorce and release my ex-calibers. Do art with your arteries, place that for…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pharoahe-monch/it-s-like-i-m-married-to-the-silencer-until-i-file-for-divorce-and/) [Pharoahe Monch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pharoahe-monch/) > [Educational exchange can turn nations into people, contributing as no other form of communication can to the humanizing of international relations. Man's capacity for…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-william-fulbright/educational-exchange-can-turn-nations-into-people-contributing-as-no/) [J. William Fulbright](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-william-fulbright/) > [Obama is hardly the first president to seek rapprochement with our adversaries and reconciliation with our enemies, of course. But his determination to make…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-f-hayes/obama-is-hardly-the-first-president-to-seek-rapprochement-with-our/) [Stephen F. Hayes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-f-hayes/) > [It is better to make friends than adversaries of a conquered race.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/benjamin-haydon/it-is-better-to-make-friends-than-adversaries-of-a-conquered-race/) [Benjamin Haydon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benjamin-haydon/) > [“The most courageous act in politics is to try to understand your opponent.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alain-de-botton/the-most-courageous-act-in-politics-is-to-try-to-understand-your/) [Alain de Botton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alain-de-botton/) > [My adversary is the world of finance.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/francois-hollande/my-adversary-is-the-world-of-finance/) [Francois Hollande](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/francois-hollande/) > [Often GOP political strategy seems like the human wave theory of the Chinese military translated to politics. Where Beijing uses masses of soldiers to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dick-morris/often-gop-political-strategy-seems-like-the-human-wave-theory-of-the/) [Dick Morris](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dick-morris/) > [Our ability to fall in love requires enough comfort with our masculinity to join it with someone's femininity and feel enhanced. .. . If…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frank-pittman/our-ability-to-fall-in-love-requires-enough-comfort-with-our/) [Frank Pittman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frank-pittman/) > [You negotiate in bad faith if you do not forgive your adversary.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nelson-mandela/you-negotiate-in-bad-faith-if-you-do-not-forgive-your-adversary/) [Nelson Mandela](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nelson-mandela/) > [We should seek after spiritual gifts. They can lead us to God. They can shield us from the power of the adversary. They can…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dallin-h-oaks/we-should-seek-after-spiritual-gifts-they-can-lead-us-to-god-they-can/) [Dallin H. Oaks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dallin-h-oaks/) [Browse all 446 Adversaries quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/adversaries/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "We still think of human disease as the work of an organized, modernized kind of demonology, in which the bacteria are the most visible and centrally placed of our adversaries. 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