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Richard Selzer
25quotes
Richard Selzer
Full Name and Common Aliases
Richard Selzer was a renowned American surgeon, essayist, and writer. His alias as an author is often used interchangeably with his full name.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on May 31, 1928, in New York City, he passed away on July 29, 2021, at the age of 93.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Selzer was an American by nationality. He practiced as a surgeon for over three decades and later transitioned to a writing career, becoming a celebrated essayist and author.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in New York City, Selzer developed an interest in medicine from an early age. His experiences as a medical student at New York University School of Medicine profoundly shaped his perspective on the human condition. After completing his residency at Bellevue Hospital, he began practicing surgery.
Major Accomplishments
Selzer's transition to writing marked a significant shift in his career. He published several collections of essays that garnered critical acclaim for their poignant portrayal of medical practice and its intricacies. His writing not only reflected on the world of medicine but also delved into broader themes, including humanity, ethics, and the human condition.
Notable Works or Actions
Some of Selzer's most notable works include:
"Confessions of a Knife: Selected Writings" (2002) - A collection of his essays that showcase his unique voice and perspective.
"Thirteen Stories" (1996) - A compilation of short stories that demonstrate his skill in crafting compelling narratives.
Impact and Legacy
Selzer's writing has had a profound impact on the literary world. His ability to convey complex medical concepts through lyrical prose has made him a celebrated figure among both medical professionals and readers alike. He is remembered for shedding light on the often-hidden aspects of medicine, creating a dialogue between patients, doctors, and society as a whole.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Selzer's enduring popularity stems from his ability to transform abstract concepts into relatable stories that resonate with readers. His unique voice has inspired generations of writers, and his quotes continue to be widely cited for their thought-provoking insights into the human condition.
Quotes by Richard Selzer
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Each is like a river that leaves behind its name and shape, the whole course of its path, to vanish into the vast sea of God.
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The surgeon knows all the parts of the brain but he does not know his patient’s dreams.
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You cannot separate passion from pathology any more than you can separate a person’s spirit from his body.
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Surgery is the red flower that blooms among the leaves and thorns that are the rest of medicine.
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The surgeon knows all the parts of the brain but he does not know his patient's dreams.
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Thus is the fruit of the Earth taken, its flesh torn. Thus is it given over standing, toward rot. It is the principle of corruption, the death of what is, the birth of what is to be. You are wine.
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You do not die all at once. Some tissues live on for minutes, even hours, giving still their little cellular shrieks, molecular echoes of the agony of the whole corpus.
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Each is like a river that leaves behind its name and shape, the whole course of its path , to vanish into the vast sea of God.
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