--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: What Richard Selzer, M.D. once wrote of…" description: "\"“What Richard Selzer, M.D. once wrote of surgery is true of therapy: only human love keeps this from being the act of two madmen.”\" — Thomas Lewis" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/665/thomas-lewis-13941_human-love_what-richard-selzer-m-d-once-wrote-of-su_748994.jpg" --- # What Richard Selzer, M.D. once wrote of surgery is true of… ![“What Richard Selzer, M.D. once wrote of surgery is true of therapy: only human love keeps this from being the act of two madmen.” quote by Thomas Lewis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/665/thomas-lewis-13941_human-love_what-richard-selzer-m-d-once-wrote-of-su_748994.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/665/thomas-lewis-13941_human-love_what-richard-selzer-m-d-once-wrote-of-su_748994.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/665/thomas-lewis-13941_human-love_what-richard-selzer-m-d-once-wrote-of-su_748994.jpg) > ““What Richard Selzer, M.D. once wrote of surgery is true of therapy: only human love keeps this from being the act of two madmen.”” [Thomas Lewis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-lewis/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Therapy, like surgery, can become chaotic without compassion; love grounds the practice and prevents it from becoming destructive. **In simple terms:** Compassion keeps therapy humane and safe. Key Takeaway Prioritize empathy in therapeutic work. Themes therapy compassion humanity healing Mood empathetic thoughtful inspirational Type clinical ethical When to use this quote - counseling sessions - medical training - clinical supervision Key Concepts Patient‑centered care ethical practice psychological safety Questions to Reflect On - How does empathy change therapeutic outcomes? - What safeguards prevent abuse in clinical settings? 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