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Quote by Atul Gawande

“The pressure remains all in one direction, toward doing more, because the only mistake clinicians seem to fear is doing too little. Most have no appreciation that equally terrible mistakes are possible in the other direction—that doing too much could be no less devastating to a person's life.”

Quote by Atul Gawande

Work

Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End

In this insightful book, the author delves into the complexities of aging and the end of life, examining the intersection of medicine, ethics, and personal values. The narrative explores the challenges faced by patients, families, and healthcare providers as they navigate the final stages of life, emphasizing the need for meaningful conversations and the pursuit of a good quality of life. more

Author

Atul Gawande
Atul Gawande

Atul Gawande is a renowned American surgeon and writer. Born on November 5, 1965, in Mumbai, India, he immigrated to the United States. Gawande is known for his expertise in surgery and his profound insights into the healthcare system. His writings cover a range of topics from surgical techniques to medical ethics, and have been well-received by readers. more

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“In becoming forcibly and essentially aware of my mortality, and of what I wished and wanted for my life, however short it might be, priorities and omissions became strongly etched in a merciless light and what I most regretted were my silences. Of what had I ever been afraid? To question or to speak as I believed could have meant pain, or death. But we all hurt in so many different ways, all the time, and pain will either change, or end. Death, on the other hand, is the final silence. And that might be coming quickly, now, without regard for whether I had ever spoken what needed to be said, or had only betrayed myself into small silences, while I planned someday to speak, or waited for someone else's words. And I began to recognize a source of power within myself that comes from the knowledge that while it is most desirable not to be afraid, learning to put fear into a perspective gave me great strength. I was going to die, if not sooner then later, whether or not I had ever spoken myself. My silences had not protected me. Your silence will not protect you.”