Tradition is a persuasive teacher, even when what it teaches is erroneous. - Sherwin B. Nuland

With deep sedation or the blessed respite of terminal coma that comes to some at the end of a difficult struggle, the actual hour when the heart stops is indeed often tranquil. Many do, in this way, avoid a tormented passage; but many others are in physical and mental distress till nearly the last moment, or even at the last moment.

The tendency toward mysticism is ingrained in human nature. Superstition, religion, and medicine have made their long journey together, and even now are unable to let go of one another's hands.

If there is one operation for a disease, you know it works. If there are fifteen operations, you know that none of them work.