There is an old story about a man who went to a doctor for a physical examination. The examination was concluded, and the doctor said, "Sit down. I have good news for you. You are in perfect health. In fact, you have the health of a man half your age." The man thanked the doctor, got up and headed for the door. When he got near the door, he collapsed, and died on the spot. The doctor said to the nurse, "Let's turn him around so it looks like he was coming in."

Dr. Karl Wenninger used to ask his medical students, "What is the most important task in medicine?" Some of the students answered that it is the relationship with the doctor. Others said it was the prescription of medicine. Other suggestions were offered. When they finished, Menninger said, "The first, and most important task of heali…