Hippocrates Quotes – Wise Words on Health, Food & Medicine
This collection of quotes by Hippocrates on health, food and exercise are eye-opening – especially considering just how long ago he spoke these wise words.
Who Was Hippocrates and What Was He Known For?
Hippocrates was an ancient Greek physician who is widely regarded as the founding ‘father of medicine’.
Hippocrates is known for implementing ethical standards in medicine and introducing a systematic approach to medical diagnosis and treatments. He is credited with the development of the Hippocratic Oath, a code of ethics for medical practitioners.
As an early example of evidence-based medicine, Hippocrates is considered one of the most influential figures in the history of medicine.
His work laid the foundations for modern medical practice, and his ideas have stood the test of time – particularly his ideas on the importance of sleep, diet, activity and avoiding excesses and over-indulging. Hippocrates quote on gut health is particularly interesting, considering the notion has been somewhat overlooked until recent years.
In Hippocrates most famous and well-used quotes, his simple and common-sense approach to health is evident:
Hippocrates Quotes
“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” Hippocrates
“Make a habit of two things: to help; or at least to do no harm.” Hippocrates
“Cure sometimes, treat often, comfort always.” Hippocrates
“Declare the past, diagnose the present, foretell the future.” Hippocrates
“Before you heal someone, ask him if he’s willing to give up the things that make him sick.” Hippocrates
“If you are in a bad mood, go for a walk. If you are still in a bad mood, go for another walk.” Hippocrates
“To do nothing is also a good remedy.” Hippocrates
“A physician without a knowledge of Astrology has no right to call himself a physician.” Hippocrates
“It is more important to know what sort of person has a disease than to know what sort of disease a person has.” Hippocrates
“There are in fact two things, science and opinion; the former begets knowledge, the latter ignorance.” Hippocrates
“All disease begins in the gut.” Hippocrates
“The natural healing force within each of us is the greatest force in getting well.” Hippocrates
“Prayer indeed is good, but while calling on the gods a man should himself lend a hand.” Hippocrates
“Healing is a matter of time, but it is sometimes also a matter of opportunity.” Hippocrates
“Walking is man’s best medicine.” Hippocrates
“A wise man should consider that health is the greatest of human blessings and learn how by his own thought to derive benefit from his illnesses.” Hippocrates
“If we could give every individual the right amount of nourishment and exercise, not too little and not too much, we would have found the safest way to health.” Hippocrates
“The life so short, the craft so long to learn.” Hippocrates
“When sleep puts an end to delirium, it is a good symptom.” Hippocrates
“Natural forces within us are the true healers of disease.” Hippocrates
“Persons who have a painful affection in any part of the body and are in a great measure sensible of the pain, are disordered in intellect.” Hippocrates
“Whenever a doctor cannot do good, he must be kept from doing harm.” Hippocrates
“Science is the father of knowledge, but opinion breeds ignorance.” Hippocrates
“Everything in excess is opposed to nature.” Hippocrates
“That which is used – develops. That which is not used wastes away.” Hippocrates
If you’re interested in more philosophical and wise words, be sure to check out:
