Essays

Ancient myths with perennial question

Piero Mustacchi ; Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology, University of California San Francisco, USA

Abstract

Even though myths have an imaginative component that frequently clashes with logical thinking, their symbolism often resonates with our collective unconscious. The divine inspiration that propels mythological heroes towards the noblest and highest ideals also carries the risk of taunting the jealousy of the gods. This may culminate in fatal results as has happened to Remus when he overstepped the newly defined boundaries set by his twin Romulus when outlining the future city of Rome. Fortunately, mythological heroes often enjoyed the benefit of having wise advisors. These were generally able to counsel their charges against yielding to the sin of pride so as to avoid triggering the anger of the gods. But when deprived of such advisors - as we are - how are we to place legitimate boundaries to our citadel of growing medical knowledge lest we scoff at limits and pay the penalty exacted from Remus?

Keywords

myths; medical ethics; symbolism

Hrčak ID:

41240

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/41240

Publication date:

15.12.2008.

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