“Rather Be a Good Physician Than a Great Statesman”
Many Chinese physicians often hear the saying: “Rather be a good physician than a great statesman.” This elevates medicine to the same level as statecraft, emphasizing the profound responsibility of healing. But do you know who originally said this?
According to *Nenggai Zhai Manlu* (Volume 13, “Wen Zheng Gong Wishes to Be a Good Physician”) by Wu Zeng of the Song Dynasty:
During the Song Dynasty, the distinguished scholar Fan Zhongyan once consulted a divination oracle at a temple, asking whether he could become a prime minister. The answer indicated no. He then prayed again: “If I cannot be a prime minister, I wish to be a good physician.” The oracle still denied it. He sighed deeply: “It is not a true man’s duty to fail to benefit and serve the people.”
Later, someone asked him: “It is natural for a man of great ambition to aspire to be a prime minister. Why would you pray to be a good physician? Isn’t that somewhat humble?”
Fan Zhongyan replied: “How so? Ancient sages said, ‘Those who constantly make good use of people never discard anyone; those who constantly make good use of things never discard anything.’ A man of talent naturally hopes to assist a wise ruler in governing the nation and benefiting all under heaven. Even if one person remains unbenefited, it feels as though one has cast them into a ditch. Only a prime minister can truly benefit all people. Since the oracle says I cannot be a prime minister, the best way to fulfill my desire to benefit the masses is to become a good physician. If I truly become a skilled doctor, I can heal the illness of rulers and parents above, rescue the poor and lowly below, and preserve my own health in between. Only a good physician, working among the people, can still bring benefit to humanity. No other profession can match this.”
This is how the saying “Rather be a good physician than a great statesman” originated. Confucian scholars with lofty ambitions regarded medicine as a second-best life choice, because medicine’s social function closely aligns with Confucian ideals of practical engagement (governing the country and pacifying the world). As Yuan Dynasty’s Dai Liang aptly said: “Medicine exists to save lives, and this is most closely aligned with Confucian principles.”