Hunter Patch Adams plays the lead role in the movie Patch Adams. Hunter, who had attempted suicide and checked himself into a hospital for mental health treatment, was confused and lost. When he was overwhelmed by the uncertainty in his life, he knew he should seek medical treatment. It is clear that his character develops and uses discernment to give meaning to his own life, as well as the lives of others.
Patch, a patient at the mental institution, is given the time to think and feel about his future. Arthur Mendelson teaches Patch to see beyond the problem in order to find the answers. He helps Rudy, his roommate, kill imaginary squirrels later that night. Patch finally finds the answer he’s been looking for. He is now aware that he has a desire to listen and learn from people. Rudy and other patients helped him help himself. He helped others forget their problems, while he forgot his own. He leaves the hospital in order to achieve his dream.
The four principles that make up the discernment process are incarnation and death, giving and being given up, universality and Communion. The principle of incarnation, death, and universality reminds people to live in the moment and express their love because they may not get another chance. Giving up and giving all you have is what it means to be given up. It’s about doing everything to improve humanity and accepting others with more love. The ability to accept all humans, no matter their race, ethnicity or background, as equals is universality. The final principle in communion is unity. We can only love each other when we unite as humans.
Patch shows us in an easy to understand way how he incorporated the four discernment criteria. Patch accepted people as they are. In the hospital or with his class, he always treated people with dignity. He was always willing to help those in need, even if he himself needed it. He helped Arthur open the clinic, but he sacrificed his pay and sleep to help those in need. Patch could then feel closer to the world. He could feel a part.
Patch’s actions demonstrate the principle Agape. He was working and doing things indirectly for himself and others. He helps sick patients forget their pain and sickness when he visits them in the hospital during medical school. Patch’s passion to help others led him to choose to be a doctor in order to improve patient lives. He realized the need for a physician who listens to patients and shows them that they are cared about. After helping Rudy, he knew he could help others. After helping Rudy, he began his journey to become a doctor.
Patch also did a good job of listening to his own heart. When he visits the hospital, he sees a woman denied access to her daughter due to having to fill out medical paperwork. Patch’s encounter with the woman at the hospital makes him imagine Gesundheit, an institution where all medical treatment is free. Humor is used to alleviate pain and suffering. Patch’s intentions were genuine, and he had no attachments or bonds to the world. He wanted to be a doctor and help people, but he didn’t care about the money or status. Patch felt bliss, joy and God’s wisdom by helping others.
Patch has a problem when Corinne’s murdered. He feels like a failure and wants to leave. The shock at her death is shown, but he realizes that he has to stay. Thomas Aquinas says, “The good angels often frighten by their arrival, but quickly become a comforting presence.” Patch, in Wolff 47, asks God to give him a sign. When he sees a butterfly he realizes he is unable to leave Corinne. God’s plan for Patch continues. Patch’s dream was strengthened by Corinne dying. Patch is not going to let the Dean expel Patch because of his extreme joy. He was able to convince the doctors to be more sensitive and compassionate towards their patients. Patch was able to overcome the obstacles because God and Corinne were there for him.
Patch’s ability of using discernment allowed him to make an informed choice so he can help others. Patch was not only unique in his expression but also had an exceptional gift for helping others. He was a person who touched all those he encountered, from his classmates to the nurses.
