“Many admire, few know.”
- c. 460 BC – c. 370 BC
- Greek
- Physician, “Father of Medicine”
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Quote
“Many admire, few know.”
Explanation
This quote is often attributed to Hippocrates, but there is no reliable evidence that it appears in the Hippocratic Corpus or any authenticated writings from his time. Its brevity and aphoristic style resemble classical sayings, but the phrase more likely emerged from later philosophical or scholarly traditions rather than directly from Hippocrates himself.
Despite the questionable attribution, the message aligns with a timeless observation about knowledge and perception. It implies that true understanding requires depth, whereas admiration is often superficial. In the context of medicine, this might suggest that many people revere the healing profession or the mysteries of the human body, but only a few truly grasp the complexity and discipline involved in medical practice.
In broader terms, the quote reflects a universal truth: whether in science, art, or philosophy, many stand in awe of greatness, but few make the effort to study, comprehend, and internalize it. From the public fascination with technology to the idolization of historical figures, it cautions us to go beyond admiration and pursue real understanding—a principle that resonates as strongly today as it might have in antiquity.
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