Quotessence
Home / Quotes / Quote by Atul Gawande

Quote by Atul Gawande

“Our reverence for independence takes no account of the reality of what happens in life: sooner or later, independence will become impossible. Serious illness or infirmity will strike. It is as inevitable as sunset. And then a new question arises: If independence is what we live for, what do we do when it can no longer be sustained?”

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

You May Also Like

“Elinor retreated to the terrace where the night air on her skin felt like a hot bath. She was hurt, it had been such an onslaught. All the things she'd achieved in the past four years, the independent life she'd built for herself, seemed to count for nothing here. The only thing that mattered to her mother was finding a husband. As for painting, well, nice little hobby, very suitable, but you won't have much time for that when the children arrive.”

“I feel different, better, about my personal life as well as my professional life. So much confidence comes simply because I have reached this very good age. Women my age today are forging new ground. Society stops defining us by our reproductive capacity, sexual attractiveness, or other traditional measures, so we become liberated from stereotype. We are freed to grow into our full selves. I couldn’t have allowed myself to feel so positive in the past. When I was at the height of my film career, I didn’t have the kind of respect I now have from the theatrical community. I hadn’t yet proved that I have the chops for the stage. But now I have a stature I’ve never before enjoyed. Virginia Woolf herself observed that when her Aunt Mary left her enough money to live on, her financial independence meant she “need not hate” or “flatter any man.” She said this was of even more value to her freedom and autonomy than the right to vote.”