Don't think the first quote needs much more explanation than that. Unfortunately, modern 'doctors' and healthcare systems at large have been heavily corrupted by the idea and incentive that patients = profits. This is why it is important for us to learn about and take accountability of our own health, and consistently work on improving it because if not the system will continue to take complete advantage of our lack of knowledge all the way down to our last breath and penny.

"Paracelsus, a Swiss physician and alchemist of the Renaissance, is often referred to as the father of toxicology. His statement highlights the idea that any substance can be harmful if taken in large enough quantities, and conversely, even toxic substances can be harmless or beneficial in small doses. This principle is known as the dose-response relationship." - ChatGPT

Paracelsus specifically addresses the dose-dependent nature of both the harms and benefits of substances, however this principle aligns well with the concept of hormesis too. In contemporary society, where life has become significantly safer, more stable, and comfortable, we can observe that this lack of stress and absence of physical and mental challenges have contributed to a rise in mental health issues and autoimmune diseases. This illustrates that too much comfort can become the "poison" Paracelsus warned about.

Conversely, many are now recognizing the immense benefits of deliberately engaging in "poisonous" activities—where short-term exposure to stressors, such as high-intensity exercise, deliberate hyperthermia (e.g., sauna use), or hypothermia (e.g., cold showers), can yield significant health benefits. These controlled exposures to stress can trigger adaptive responses in the body, enhancing resilience and overall well-being. Thus, embracing hormetic stress can be seen as a modern application of Paracelsus's insight into the importance of dose and balance.