Disease Quote by Robertson Davies
“The problem for a Paracelsian physician like me is that I see diseases as disguises in which people present me with their wretchedness.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Fifth Business, Robertson Davies, 1970
The physician sees illness as a metaphor for deeper human suffering.
In simple terms: Illness reflects hidden pain.
Key Takeaway
Look beyond symptoms to underlying distress.
Themes
medicine
human suffering
metaphor
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- clinical practice
- counseling
- creative writing
- social work
Key Concepts
psychosomatics
existentialism
compassion
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you differentiate physical from emotional distress?
- What can clinicians do to address hidden suffering?
A Different Perspective
Not all suffering is visible; misinterpretation risk.
![“The purpose of the whole [the Comedy] and of this portion [the Paradiso] is to remove those who are living in this life from the state of wretchedness, and to lead them to the state of blessedness.” quote by Dante Alighieri](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e05/dante-alighieri-590_blessedness_the-purpose-of-the-whole-the-comedy-and_145640.jpg)
