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Data Quote by William S. Burroughs

“Many doctors are drawn to this profession (psychology) because they have an innate deficiency of insight into the motives, feelings and thoughts of others, a deficiency they hope to remedy by ingesting masses of data.” quote by William S. Burroughs
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“Many doctors are drawn to this profession (psychology) because they have an innate deficiency of insight into the motives, feelings and thoughts of others, a deficiency they hope to remedy by ingesting masses of data.”

William S. Burroughs

About This Quote

Source Essay: “The Psychology of the Physician”, 1965

Doctors may lack insight into others’ motives, hoping data will fill that gap.

In simple terms: Physicians may lack emotional insight.

Key Takeaway

Seek empathy beyond data.

Themes

medicine insight data reliance

Mood

analytical critical

Type

essay philosophical

When to use this quote

  • clinical practice
  • patient communication
  • research

Key Concepts

psychology medical ethics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can doctors develop deeper empathy?
  • What role should intuition play in medicine?
A Different Perspective

Data cannot replace human empathy.

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