Richard Selzer Quotes

A collection of quotes by Richard Selzer.

Richard Selzer was an acclaimed American surgeon and author, renowned for his captivating and sensitive portrayal of medical experiences. Born on June 24, 1928, in Troy, New York, Selzer graduated from Union College in Schenectady and received his medical degree from Albany Medical College. He completed his surgical training at Yale University, where he eventually served as a professor of surgery.

While Selzer was an accomplished surgeon, he gained wider recognition for his unique style of medical writing. He began publishing his essays and stories in the 1960s and soon became celebrated as a masterful storyteller of the human body and the emotions it possesses. Selzer's works delved deep into the mysteries of medical practices, exploring the moral dilemmas, ethical complexities, and the sublime beauty of life.

His acclaimed books, such as "Mortal Lessons: Notes on the Art of Surgery" and "Confessions of a Knife," garnered critical praise for their evocative prose and profound insights into the human condition. Selzer's writing style was characterized by its poetic language, vivid imagery, and philosophical introspection, making his narratives an enthralling blend of medicine, literature, and profound human experiences.

Richard Selzer's profound contributions to the world of medicine and literature earned him numerous accolades, including the National Magazine Award and the Whiting Foundation Award for Nonfiction. He continued to write and publish extensively until his retirement in 1995. Selzer passed away on June 15, 2016, leaving behind a remarkable legacy as a surgeon, writer, and compassionate observer of the human body and soul.