[Truth at bedside in relation to poor prognosis. From the viewpoint of the clinician]

Pious fraud, nothing but the naked truth or merciful borderline areas of hope and despair - Salus aegroti suprema lex! There is no absolute truth in doctor-patient dialogue for no such thing as absolute truth nor a sick-bed as such exists. Each bed houses its own patient, and each patient carries his specific truth which he shares with all his partners, thus breaking the isolation of his fate. Only in this way is it possible for all concerned to bear or help bear the heavy burden of life's last stretch.