The author reflects on the reluctance to abandon a personal explanation despite recognizing the necessity of conceding to a physician's expertise. This feeling echoes the experience of his students, who often resist stylistic revisions to their writing. They find comfort in their original sentences, even when they contain flaws. The conflict arises from their deference to the author's experience, while also holding onto a sense of dissatisfaction with the suggested changes.
This dynamic highlights the tension between personal satisfaction in creative expression and the guidance of experienced mentors. Just as the author acknowledges the potential for flawed judgment in his revisions, students often grapple with their attachment to their own ideas while recognizing the value in expert input. This apprehension mirrors the challenge of making adjustments to something that feels personally significant.