This quote is a profound commentary on the relationship between individuals and their physicians or, more broadly, the medical system. It suggests that if you are not naturally inclined or “born” to trust and collaborate with your physician, your health could potentially suffer as a result. This might occur if you don’t feel comfortable asking questions, if you don’t follow medical advice because you don’t understand or agree with it, or if you don’t feel that your concerns are being heard or taken seriously.
In a broader sense, Nietzsche is suggesting that we need to be active participants in our own healthcare. We must be “born” for our physicians in the sense that we must be ready and willing to engage with them, to understand our own bodies and health, and to take responsibility for our wellbeing. If we are passive or disengaged, we may end up being harmed rather than helped by the very system that is supposed to heal us.
Applying this idea to today’s world, it’s clear that we live in an era of unprecedented access to medical information. The internet allows us to research symptoms, treatments, and even to connect with others who have similar health issues. This can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it can empower us to take control of our health and to be better partners with our physicians. On the other hand, it can lead to self-diagnosis, misunderstanding, and unnecessary anxiety.
In terms of personal development, this quote suggests the importance of developing a proactive, informed, and assertive approach to healthcare. It encourages us to be curious, to ask questions, and to seek out information. It also reminds us to listen to our own bodies and to trust our intuition. Ultimately, it’s a call to take control of our own health and wellbeing, rather than placing it entirely in the hands of others.