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About this quote

What does it mean?
Voltaire suggests doctors often distract patients while the body heals itself.
In plain terms
Medicine often keeps patients occupied while nature does the real healing.
What can you take from it?
The body heals best with time and care.

Where it applies

  • patient care
  • recovery
  • health debates

Putting it to work

  • supporting natural recovery
  • patient comfort
  • holistic health

Questions to consider

  • How much healing comes from within?
  • What role does the mind play in health?

Another view

Modern medicine often actively cures diseases beyond distraction.

More from Voltaire

  1. Now is no time to be making new enemies. (When asked on his deathbed by a priest to renounce the devil and turn to God.)

    Permalink to quote #87
  2. The man who leaves money to charity in his will is only giving away what no longer belongs to him.

    Permalink to quote #89
  3. No problem can withstand the assault of sustained thinking.

    Permalink to quote #86

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