Whenever my patient begins to count the carriages in her funeral procession I subtract 50 per cent from the curative power of medicines.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- A doctor notes that a patient's fear of death reduces the effectiveness of medicine.
- In plain terms
- If a patient thinks they will die, medicines work less.
- What can you take from it?
- Mindset significantly impacts physical healing.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Does fear slow healing?
- How important is optimism?
Another view
It simplifies complex medical outcomes.
More from O. Henry
If man knew how women pass the time when they are alone, they'd never marry.
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Permalink to quote #13 The magi, as you know, were wise men - wonderfully wise men - who brought gifts to the Babe in the manger. They invented the art of giving Christmas presents. …
Permalink to quote #10
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