Doctor Quote by Samuel Butler
“The mistakes made by doctors are innumerable. They err habitually on the side of optimism as to treatment, of pessimism as to the outcome.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The Book of the Farm" by Samuel Butler, 1863 (originally published in "The Fair Haven")
Doctors often choose optimistic treatments and pessimistic expectations, leading to systematic errors in care.
In simple terms: Doctors tend to be overly hopeful about treatment but doubtful about outcomes.
Key Takeaway
Balance optimism with realistic outcome assessments.
Themes
medical ethics
decision making
optimism
pessimism
Mood
cautious
analytical
critical
Type
clinical
ethical
When to use this quote
- Clinical decision making
- patient counseling
- medical education
Key Concepts
Cognitive bias
risk assessment
patient communication
Questions to Reflect On
- How can clinicians better calibrate optimism?
- What safeguards reduce bias in treatment choices?
A Different Perspective
Optimism can lead to overtreatment and false hope.
