My aim in helping the patient was not to cause death. My aim was to end suffering. It's got to be decriminalized.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker clarifies that his goal was to end suffering, not to cause death, and argues for decriminalization.
- In plain terms
- He aimed to stop pain, not to kill, and wants the law to change.
- What can you take from it?
- Intent matters; ending suffering differs from causing death.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is intent enough to justify action?
- How should law distinguish killing from relieving pain?
Another view
Outcomes may still be viewed as causing death regardless of intent.
More from Jack Kevorkian
Dying is not a crime.
Permalink to quote #2 We need some honesty and sincerity instead of corrupt government in Washington.
Permalink to quote #4 When you have nothing left to burn, you must set yourself on fire.
Permalink to quote #1
Related quotes
What did Doctor Doom really want? He wanted to rule the world. Now, think about this. You could walk across the street against a traffic light and get a summon…
Stan LeeStan Lee quote #6 In law a man is guilty when he violates the rights of others. In ethics he is guilty if he only thinks of doing so.
Immanuel KantImmanuel Kant quote #54 We must all educate ourselves to the reality of the horrors taking place. Doctors today know that unborn children can feel a touch within the womb and that the…
Ronald ReaganRonald Reagan quote #74