The Surgeon's Focus and Presence
Story★★★★A story is told of that famous surgeon, the late Lord Moynihan. One day he was invited to operate before a group of distinguished doctors. Afterwards one of them expressed his admiration and surprise that the surgeon could do his work so calmly and well, undisturbed by the onlookers. “When I operate,” he said, “there are just three people in the theatre— the patient and myself.” “But that is only two,” said the other. “Who is the third?” “God,” was the reply.
The point
Surgeon Lord Moynihan, asked how he remains calm operating before distinguished colleagues, explains: there are three in the theatre—the patient, myself, and God.
Audience
Adults
Tone
Profound · Convicting
To tell aloud
under a minute · 82 words