The Hippocratic Oath is not by Hippocrates and never said 'First do no harm'

History · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Widely considered the foundation of Western medical ethics, the Hippocratic Oath is shrouded in misconceptions. It was not written by the Greek physician Hippocrates, nor does it contain the famous phrase 'first do no harm.' Instead, this ancient text remains a complex, evolving symbol of professional responsibility and moral duty.

The Hippocratic Oath originated between the fifth and third centuries BC, yet modern scholars agree it was not authored by Hippocrates himself. While traditionally associated with the Hippocratic Corpus, the text stands apart due to its heavily religious tone, invoking healing gods in a manner that contrasts with the pragmatic, secular approach found in other contemporary medical writings. The oldest surviving manuscript dates to the 10th or 11th century, though papyrus fragments have been traced back to the 3rd century AD.

The famous directive 'first do no harm' is absent from the original text. The oath instead vows to 'abstain from all intentional wrong-doing and harm,' a sentiment that likely mirrors popular non-medical expressions of the era. Furthermore, the oath’s specific prohibitions—such as those regarding surgery or abortion—have been subjects of intense historical debate. Ancient physicians did not universally observe these bans, and interpretations of the text have shifted significantly over centuries to suit changing cultural and religious contexts, including its adaptation in the Byzantine Christian world.

In modern times, the oath has been largely superseded by comprehensive ethical codes, such as those established by Thomas Percival in 1803 or the World Medical Association’s 1948 Declaration of Geneva. By 2018, no US medical school graduates were taking the original oath, opting instead for modified versions or unique institutional pledges. Despite this, the oath remains a powerful, if polyvalent, touchstone. Whether used as a solemn commitment or a subject of controversy, it continues to define the medical profession's enduring struggle to balance scientific progress with the weight of human life.

General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.

Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?

Related

• The Hippocratic Corpus is a legendary medical library, but Hippocrates likely wrote none of it.
• We know surprisingly little about what the Father of Medicine actually did
• Why the ancient act of swearing an oath remains the bedrock of modern society.
• Beyond the doctor's office: How the goddess Hygieia defined the prevention of illness
• The ancient Greek wisdom carved in gold that guided a civilization for centuries
• Architecture is far more than just buildings; it is the history of human survival
• Did Gus Grissom accidentally sink his own spacecraft 60 years ago?
• Ice Age figurines still count among humanity’s oldest art
• The Great Chain of Being: How ancient philosophy mapped the entire universe in order.
• A Scottish pit calendar may be eight thousand BCE old
• Most diggers lost; merchants and nations gained
• The word atheist is early modern; the doubt is ancient

More in History by subject matter · More in History · Latest · A–Z · All topics