“It’s far more important to know what person the disease has than what disease the person has.”
- c. 460 BC – c. 370 BC
- Greek
- Physician, “Father of Medicine”
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Quote
“It’s far more important to know what person the disease has than what disease the person has.”
Explanation
This quote is widely attributed to Hippocrates, but there is no direct evidence in the original Hippocratic texts that he expressed this idea in these exact words. Nevertheless, the sentiment is deeply consistent with the spirit of Hippocratic medicine, which emphasized treating the whole person, not just their symptoms or diagnosis. For that reason, while the attribution may be apocryphal, the message aligns with Hippocrates’ legacy.
The quote emphasizes the importance of individualized care—recognizing that each patient brings unique emotional, psychological, and environmental factors to their illness. In ancient Greek medicine, the physician was not merely diagnosing a disease but also observing lifestyle, temperament, and personal circumstances, all of which could influence recovery. This approach stands in contrast to modern, impersonal models that sometimes reduce the patient to a set of symptoms or lab results.
Today, the principle has found renewed relevance in patient-centered care and holistic medicine. Modern physicians are encouraged to understand the patient’s story, culture, and mental health alongside biological signs. For instance, two patients with the same disease might require different approaches—one might benefit most from medication, another from psychological support or lifestyle changes. In this light, the quote is a timeless call for empathy, attentiveness, and personalization in medical practice.
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