Chapter 1 What's Full Book Being Mortal by Atul Gawande
"Being Mortal" by Atul Gawande is a thought-provoking exploration of aging, death, and end-of-life care in modern society. Gawande, a surgeon and writer, delves into the ways in which medicine and society approach these topics, often failing to address the individual's desires and priorities. He advocates for a more humanistic approach to care that prioritizes quality of life and autonomy for patients, rather than simply prolonging life at all costs. Through powerful stories and compelling arguments, Gawande challenges readers to rethink our cultural attitudes towards aging and mortality, ultimately urging us to embrace a more compassionate and thoughtful approach to end-of-life care.
Chapter 2 Full Book Being Mortal by Atul Gawande Summary
"Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End" by Atul Gawande is a thought-provoking book that explores the experience of aging and dying in modern times. Through a combination of personal stories, scientific research, and philosophical reflection, Gawande examines the ways in which our medical system often fails to address the needs and desires of those facing the end of life.
Gawande begins by highlighting the limitations of modern medicine when it comes to treating terminal illness. He argues that the focus on prolonging life at all costs can sometimes lead to unnecessary suffering and diminish the quality of life for patients. Instead, he argues for a more holistic approach that takes into account the patient's values, preferences, and goals for their final days.
The book goes on to explore the ways in which nursing homes and other long-term care facilities often fail to provide a fulfilling and dignified existence for their residents. Gawande suggests that these institutions can be improved by giving residents more autonomy and control over their daily lives, as well as by fostering meaningful relationships and connections with others.
Gawande also delves into the history of aging and dying in America, tracing the evolution of attitudes towards death and the elderly. He examines cultural taboos around discussing death, as well as the ways in which our society tends to marginalize and devalue older individuals.
Throughout the book, Gawande shares poignant stories of patients and families grappling with end-of-life decisions. These stories serve as a reminder of the importance of approaching death with compassion, empathy, and a deep respect for the individual's wishes.
In the end, "Being Mortal" urges readers to confront their own mortality and consider what truly matters to them as they approach the end of life. It is a profound and moving exploration of how we can live well and die well in a society that often views aging and death as problems to be solved rather than natural and inevitable parts of the human experience.
Chapter 3 Full Book Being Mortal Author
Atul Gawande is an American surgeon, author, and public health researcher. He released the book "Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End" in 2014.
Gawande has written several other books, including "Complications: A Surgeon's Notes on an Imperfect Science" (2002), "Better: A Surgeon's Notes on Performance" (2007), and "The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right" (2009).
Among his books, "The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right" is considered to be the best in terms of editions, as it has been widely acclaimed for its insights on how to improve performance in various fields through the use of checklists.
Chapter 4 Full Book Being Mortal Meaning & Theme
Full Book Being Mortal Meaning
"Being Mortal" by Atul Gawande is a non-fiction book that explores the challenges of aging and dying in modern society. The book delves into the ways in which the medical system often fails to provide dignified and compassionate care to those who are facing the end of their lives. Through personal stories and research, Gawande examines the cultural attitudes towards aging and dying, and offers suggestions for how we can improve the way we care for the elderly and the terminally ill.
One of the key themes of the book is the importance of respecting the autonomy and dignity of individuals as they approach the end of their lives. Gawande argues that too often, medical professionals and caregivers prioritize prolonging life at all costs, without considering the quality of life that comes with those extra days or weeks. He suggests that a more nuanced approach, focused on supporting patients in making decisions that align with their values and priorities, is needed to ensure that people have a meaningful and dignified end-of-life experience.
Overall, "Being Mortal" is a thought-provoking and compassionate exploration of the realities of aging, illness, and death in contemporary society. It challenges readers to confront their own beliefs and attitudes towards mortality, and to consider how we can better support those who are facing the end of their lives.
Full Book Being Mortal Theme
Being Mortal by Atul Gawande explores the complex issues surrounding aging, illness, and death, and provides a thought-provoking examination of modern medicine and its impact on the end of life. The central theme of the book is the importance of maintaining autonomy and dignity in the face of terminal illness and approaching death.
Gawande highlights the role that medicine and technology play in prolonging life, often at the expense of quality of life. He argues that the focus of modern medicine has shifted towards prolonging life at all costs, without considering what is truly important to the individual. As a result, many elderly and terminally ill patients are subjected to invasive and aggressive treatments that may not improve their quality of life or help them achieve a peaceful death.
The book emphasizes the need for a shift in the way we approach end-of-life care, encouraging healthcare professionals to engage in honest conversations with patients about their values, goals, and preferences. Gawande also explores the concept of assisted living and hospice care as alternatives to traditional medical interventions, allowing patients to live out their final days in comfort and dignity.
Through personal stories and medical case studies, Being Mortal challenges readers to reconsider their attitudes towards aging and death, and to confront their own mortality with courage and compassion. The book ultimately advocates for a more humane and patient-centered approach to end-of-life care, one that prioritizes the individual's wishes and desires above all else.
Chapter 5 Quotes of Full Book Being Mortal
Full Book Being Mortal quotes as follows:
- “Our ultimate goal, after all, is not a good death but a good life to the very end.”
- “The simple view is that medicine exists to fight death and disease, and that is, of course, its most basic task. Death is the enemy. But the enemy has superior forces. Eventually, it wins.”
- “Our reluctance to honestly examine the experience of aging and dying has increased the harm we inflict on people and denied them the basic comforts they most need.”
- “The waning days of our lives are given over to treatments that addle our brains and sap our bodies for a sliver’s chance of benefit.”
- “The task of the doctor today is not to stave off death or return patients to their old lives, but to take into our arms a patient and family whose lives have disintegrated and work until their spirits have rekindled.”
- “We’ve been wrong about what our job is in medicine. We think our job is to ensure health and survival. But really it is larger than that. It is to enable well-being.”
- “The way we obsess over how to physically fix the human body as it ages is driven by the virulent denial of the reality of aging and dying.”
- “Sometimes we must trade cure for care.”
- “Our current medical system is superb for diseases but not for life and death.”
- “You don’t have to live forever, you just have to live.”
Chapter 6 Similar Books Like Full Book Being Mortal
- "When Breath Becomes Air" by Paul Kalanithi - A deeply moving memoir by a neurosurgeon facing his own mortality, reflecting on life and death.
- "The Bright Hour: A Memoir of Living and Dying" by Nina Riggs - Another poignant memoir about a woman's journey living with terminal cancer and finding joy in the small moments.
- "The End of Your Life Book Club" by Will Schwalbe - A son's memoir of reading and discussing books with his terminally ill mother, exploring the power of literature in facing life's challenges.
- "Being Mortal" by Atul Gawande - A groundbreaking exploration of end-of-life care and the importance of dignity and autonomy in the face of illness and aging.
- "The Art of Dying Well: A Practical Guide to a Good End of Life" by Katy Butler - A practical and compassionate guide to navigating the complexities of the end of life, offering insights on how to approach death with grace and dignity.
Book https://www.bookey.app/book/being-mortal
Author https://www.bookey.app/quote-author/atul-gawande
Quotes https://www.bookey.app/quote-book/being-mortal
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MY6pGx9G9E
Amazom https://www.amazon.com/-/zh/dp/B00NPAJ32S
