A physician can sometimes parry the scythe of death, but has no power over the sand in the hourglass.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Doctors can delay death but cannot control the ultimate passage of time.
- In plain terms
- Medicine can postpone death but not stop time.
- What can you take from it?
- Accept the limits of medical power.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How should doctors discuss mortality with patients?
Another view
Advances may extend control over time.
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