“Conclusions which are merely verbal cannot bear fruit, only those do which are based on demonstrated fact.”

—  Hippocrates

Precepts, Ch. 2, as translated by W. H. S. Jones (1923).
Context: Conclusions which are merely verbal cannot bear fruit, only those do which are based on demonstrated fact. For affirmation and talk are deceptive and treacherous. Wherefore one must hold fast to facts in generalizations also, and occupy oneself with facts persistently, if one is to acquire that ready and infallible habit which we call "the art of medicine."

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Hippocrates 33
ancient Greek physician -460–-370 BC

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