What is it about?
Voltaire (François-Marie Arouet, 1694-1778) was one of the leading writers and philosophers of the Enlightenment, a cultural movement that placed reason, evidence and the scientific method at its centre. Voltaire often wrote about doctors, illness and medicine, with irony but also with deep insight. In this short medical humanities article we revisit his writings to show what they still teach about the relationship between physicians and patients.
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Why is it important?
Modern medicine is increasingly technological, yet trust, honesty and humility remain at the core of good care. Looking back at how a great Enlightenment thinker viewed doctors helps today's clinicians and students reflect on their role, their limits and the way they communicate with patients.
Perspectives
I have always been fascinated by the history of medicine. Writing with colleagues passionate about medical humanities reminds me that literature and philosophy are powerful tools for becoming better doctors, not just a cultural pastime.
Professor Stefano Di Bella
Universita degli Studi di Trieste
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: An enlightening lesson on the physician–patient relationship by Voltaire, The American Journal of Medicine, October 2025, Elsevier,
DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2025.10.018.
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