“The art is long, life is short.”
- c. 460 BC – c. 370 BC
- Greek
- Physician, “Father of Medicine”
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Quote
“The art is long, life is short.”
Explanation
This phrase originates from the Latin translation of a Hippocratic aphorism: “Ars longa, vita brevis.” It is one of the most well-known sayings from the Aphorismi of the Hippocratic Corpus, and it is authentically attributed to Hippocrates. Here, “art” refers specifically to the art of medicine, and the statement expresses a profound truth about the length and complexity of mastering a discipline compared to the briefness of human life.
Hippocrates likely intended this as a caution to physicians: learning the principles of medicine requires time, patience, and continual effort, yet the practitioner has only a limited lifespan to acquire such mastery and apply it effectively. This tension between the depth of knowledge needed and the short window of human activity was especially significant in the ancient world, where formalized education and access to medical texts were limited.
In modern times, the quote is used more broadly to describe the enduring challenge of mastering any field, especially one requiring deep study and practice. For example, in professions like medicine, law, or the arts, individuals still confront the reality that there is always more to learn than one lifetime allows. It underscores the necessity of humility, lifelong learning, and the responsibility to use limited time wisely.
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