The traditional and necessary focus of surgical training has been technical skills and knowledge, with little or no emphasis on the humanities. There has been a growing recognition that incorporating the humanities into surgical education can enhance the development of a well-rounded and empathetic surgeon. The value of knowledge based on the ethical principles found in the study of the humanities is a core educational requirement of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME): the resident must “demonstrate a commitment to professionalism, and adhere to ethical principles, and demonstrate competence and compassion, integrity, and respect for others” and “be responsive to patient needs that may supersede self-interest.” These requirements alone would seem to suggest the integration of the humanities into the surgeon’s education. The study of the humanities provides a framework for understanding human experience, including the social, cultural, and ethical dimensions of medicine. By studying literature, history, philosophy, and arts, surgeons can gain empathy, a deeper understanding of the human condition, and appreciation of the diverse perspectives of their patients, thereby treating the whole patient, rather than only a part of the body. This chapter addresses the benefits of and the barriers to a surgeon’s education in the humanities and suggests tools to implement and monitor this education. Also included are examples of how a humanities-sensitive surgeon might practice in the clinic and operating room.