“Keep a watch also on the faults of the patients, which often make them lie about the taking of things prescribed.”
- c. 460 BC – c. 370 BC
- Greek
- Physician, “Father of Medicine”
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Quote
“Keep a watch also on the faults of the patients, which often make them lie about the taking of things prescribed.”
Explanation
This quote is authentically derived from the Hippocratic Corpus, particularly from the treatise Epidemics, where Hippocrates offers practical advice to physicians. It illustrates his deep awareness not only of disease but also of human behavior, emphasizing that effective medical treatment requires attention to the psychological and moral dimensions of the patient.
The quote acknowledges that patients may not always follow medical advice honestly or accurately, whether out of fear, forgetfulness, pride, or misunderstanding. By advising physicians to “keep a watch,” Hippocrates urges attentiveness to the non-clinical factors that influence recovery. This includes habits, honesty, and even the social or emotional reasons a patient might conceal non-compliance with prescribed treatments.
In modern medicine, this insight is still highly relevant. Medication adherence remains a major issue, with patients often failing to take drugs as directed—sometimes without informing their doctors. The Hippocratic message reinforces the importance of building trust, asking thoughtful questions, and observing behavior, not just symptoms. A good physician must treat the illness and understand the patient, recognizing that the success of any remedy depends not only on science but also on human cooperation.
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