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He's been on the verge of death so many times. ... His doctors themselves are in shock that he's still alive. Half the blood vessels in his brain are about to burst after his strokes, his intestines are spotted all over with holes, he has giant ulcers in his stomach, his heart is in absolutely disgusting condition, he is literally rotting ... He could die from any one of dozens of physical problems that he has, but contrary to all laws of nature -- he lives.

Boris Yeltsin#21

BiologyHealthMedicineMiracleSurvival

About this quote

What does it mean?
He describes a person’s severe health problems yet notes the inexplicable survival against natural odds.
In plain terms
Despite many serious illnesses, the person keeps living against the odds.
What can you take from it?
Life can persist despite overwhelming physical challenges.

Where it applies

  • medical case studies
  • personal narratives

Putting it to work

  • document rare survivals
  • study resilience factors

Questions to consider

  • What factors contribute to unexpected longevity?
  • How do we interpret medical miracles?

Another view

Anecdotal accounts may lack scientific explanation.

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