In "Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers," Mary Roach explores the ethical and psychological dilemmas faced by medical professionals when working with human remains. She asserts that both dissection and surgical training necessitate a deliberate detachment, compelling students and doctors to view cadavers purely as anatomical tools instead of as former individuals with lives and stories.

Roach emphasizes that this disassociation is crucial for medical learning and performance, as it allows practitioners to navigate the complexities of their work without being overwhelmed by emotion or ethical concerns. The text illustrates the tension between honoring the deceased and the practical necessities of medical education and practice.