Ibn Sina (Avicenna)

Medicine Persian 980 – 1037 391 quotes

Canon of Medicine was standard text for centuries

Quotes by Ibn Sina (Avicenna)

Truth is the ultimate goal of all inquiry.

Philosophical notes

The human spirit is capable of great things.

Encouraging words (private)

The best medicine is a good diet and exercise.

Personal health regimen (private)

The universe is a manifestation of God's wisdom.

Theological reflections

A good book is a faithful friend.

Diary entry on reading

The physician must understand the temperament of his patient.

Medical advice (private)

Knowledge is a light that dispels darkness.

Letter to a student

The soul is the principle of life.

Metaphysical treatise draft

The soul, when it is separated from the body, is not destroyed, but rather it returns to its origin.

Philosophical treatise (implied lecture)

The mind is like a mirror, it reflects what it sees.

General philosophical discourse (implied)

The greatest wisdom is to know oneself.

General philosophical discourse (implied)

The physician must be a philosopher, for without philosophy, he cannot truly understand the nature of man.

Canon of Medicine (implied lecture)

There is no disease that cannot be cured, except for death itself.

Medical discussions (implied debate)

The best medicine is to prevent disease.

Medical advice (implied public appearance)

The body is the instrument of the soul.

Philosophical treatise (implied lecture)

The purpose of medicine is to restore the balance of the humors.

Canon of Medicine (implied lecture)

Observation is the foundation of all medical knowledge.

Medical methodology (implied lecture)

The physician must be patient and compassionate.

Medical ethics (implied lecture)

The mind influences the body, and the body influences the mind.

Psychological and medical theories (implied lecture)

To be a good physician, one must be a good student.

Advice to students (implied lecture)