Proverb / Kotowaza
医は意なり
Medicine is as much about the doctor's spirit and compassion as it is about technical skill.
Medicine is the mind
Quick Answer
Medicine is as much about the doctor's spirit and compassion as it is about technical skill.
- Literal Image
- Medicine is the mind
- Closest Equivalent
- Medicine is the art of healing the spirit as well as the body
- How to Use It
- Used to emphasize the importance of a healthcare professional's attitude, mental state, and empathy toward their patients.
Meaning
This proverb teaches that the essence of medicine lies in the doctor's mindset, spirit, and will. While technical knowledge and skill are necessary, treating patients with a compassionate heart is considered the most critical element of the healing arts.
Literal Image
Medicine is the mind
Equivalent Proverbs
Medicine is the art of healing the spirit as well as the body
Focuses on the holistic nature of healing
How to Use It
Used to emphasize the importance of a healthcare professional's attitude, mental state, and empathy toward their patients.
Tone
Reflective and moralizing, appearing in discussions regarding medical ethics or the philosophy of healing.
Examples
医は意なりというように、患者を思いやる気持ちこそが医師にとって最も大切なものだ。
Just as the saying 'Medicine is the mind' suggests, a feeling of compassion for the patient is the most important thing for a doctor.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
The proverb uses the classical 'nari' copula and relies on the specific philosophical nuance of the character for 'mind' (意).
医
い / i
medicine; the art of healing
意
い / i
will; spirit; mindset
なり
nari
classical copula (is/to be)
Usage Profile
Usage note: Primarily relevant to the medical field or professional ethics.
Misread Risk
Do not confuse the two homophones 'i' (medicine and mind); the proverb relies on the connection between them.
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Origin
This expression originates from Chinese classics. In this context, 'i' (意) refers to one's will and spirit. It reflects the philosophy that the ultimate secrets of medical practice lie not just in drugs or surgery, but in the spiritual state and mental discipline of the physician.
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Source Note
Where did this entry get its data from? The reference links are listed below. To understand how to read this section, see Data Sources.