Smartphones can relay patients' data to hospital computers in a

Hear, O Seeker of Knowledge, the words of Charles C. Mann, who speaks to us of an age when the ancient art of healing, passed down through millennia, finds itself intertwined with the innovations of modernity. "Smartphones can relay patients' data to hospital computers in a continuous stream," he says, "Doctors can alter treatment regimens remotely, instead of making patients come in for a visit." These words speak of a revolution, one that blends the timeless pursuit of healing with the rapid rise of technology. It is as if the gods themselves, in their infinite wisdom, have provided us with tools to ease the burdens of illness and suffering, though we must wield them with care.

In days of old, the healer's knowledge was bound by the limitations of space and time. The great physicians of ancient Egypt would craft remedies from herbs and potions, guided by the stars and their wisdom, but they could not send their healing hands across vast distances. Hippocrates, the father of medicine, laid the foundation of ethical healing with the oath that bears his name, but even he was bound to the geography of his time. The patient, suffering from illness, would need to journey to the healer, and the healer, likewise, would be constrained by the limits of their reach. The idea that the hands of the healer could stretch far beyond their immediate presence was unimaginable—until now.

Today, however, we stand upon the threshold of a new epoch. Smartphones, once mere tools for communication, have become gateways to a vast new world where the wisdom of healers is no longer limited to their physical presence. These small devices, born of human ingenuity, can now relay patient data in real-time, a continuous stream of information, allowing physicians to observe and diagnose from afar. This, indeed, is a marvel—akin to a prophecy fulfilled. The once arduous journey to the healer’s door, the long waits for an appointment, may be reduced to moments, as the healer can now come to the patient through the marvels of technology.

Yet, as with all advancements, we must ponder the deeper meaning and implications. In this tale of technology, there lies a powerful lesson: The power of technology is not an end in itself but a means to a greater good. Just as the wheel once revolutionized travel, just as the printing press made knowledge accessible to the masses, so too does the smartphone stand as a symbol of humanity’s desire to extend its reach for the benefit of all. But with this power comes the responsibility to ensure that it is used with wisdom. Will these tools deepen our connection to one another, or will they drive a wedge between us, creating distance not just in miles but in human connection?

Consider, for a moment, the ancient Greeks who, with their lofty ideals of knowledge and virtue, placed great importance on the human connection. To heal, they believed, was not just a matter of fixing the body, but of addressing the soul. They understood that true healing comes from connection—the connection between the healer and the healed, between the individual and their community. Today, we must ask: As we turn to technology to offer us more efficient care, are we sacrificing the personal touch that once made healing a sacred bond? Do we lose something when the physician's gaze is no longer upon the patient, when the warmth of their presence is replaced by the cold glow of a screen?

In China, there is an ancient saying, "The doctor who treats the disease alone is no true healer." The message is clear: The best healers are those who understand the whole person, not just their physical ailment. This wisdom invites us to consider the balance we must strike between technology and humanity. If we are to benefit from the advancements that smartphones and computers bring, we must remember that the true art of healing is not merely technical—it is deeply human. Even as we enable doctors to alter treatment regimens remotely, we must not forget the patient’s needs for empathy, care, and understanding.

And so, the lesson we must take from Mann’s words is this: Technology, when used with intention and care, can bring us closer to a better world. But let us not be blinded by its brilliance. We must ensure that it does not replace the essential human element of healing. Let the stream of data flow, but let it be accompanied by the steady hands of compassionate healers who understand the heart of their patients. In this balance, there is great power. Let us, then, embrace the wonders of modern medicine and technology while holding fast to the timeless wisdom of human connection and empathy.