A Good General Knows When to Retreat

25 Dec 2023

Doctors and patients should take a few cues from the practices of a good general. First, know your objectives and plan, plan, plan. Do you want to live to be 100? Does every ailment need treatment? Map out the course towards key goals, know the terrain, and make decisions about how to procede. Second, fight the good fight, which means, in life as is battle, using the tools that help advance to goals. Use screening tests to identify problems, stay in top physical and mental shape, and minimize risks. Finally, know when to retreat. It may be better to stop fighting. When the battle is not winable, it may be better to stop trying and instead to enjoy the remains of the day.