Your physical and mental health are investable assets, not a costly liability!
The adage “health is wealth” is a paraphrase of the Roman poet Virgil’s famous comment that “the greatest wealth is health.” The adage presents the idea that your physical and mental well-being are arguably your most valuable asset.
At its core, “health is wealth” means that your physical and mental well-being are far more intrinsically important than financial wealth in the realm of life satisfaction.
It’s saying, “Yes, money is great. It can solve many problems and lead to a fantastic quality of life. But in the absence of good health, money and financial assets mean very little.”
In other words, don’t pursue wealth to the detriment of your health and well-being! After all, you can’t enjoy the financial fruits of your labor if you’re in constant pain, unable to move, struggling to breathe, going to the hospital every few months, or worrying about your health…or dead.
Only if you’re well and feel well can you take full advantage of your wealth. Moreover , staying healthy is also crucial to reaching your full financial personal and professional potential.
It’s hard to be happy when you’re unwell! Thus, chasing wealth at the expense of well-being can often backfire – especially when you realize happiness also tends to make people wealthier.
“Health is wealth” is a proverb and truism that most of us could benefit from being reminded of every now and again.
After all, it’s too easy to fall into the trap of pursuing money at all costs – forgetting that, without our physical and mental health, life really isn’t that pleasant! Furthermore, by prioritizing your health, you stand to accrue even more money in the long run (and to actually be able to enjoy it without pain, discomfort, or a lack of energy getting in the way).
References:
- Danny Newman, Health Is Wealth: What It Means and Why It’s True, Wealth Tender,
https://wealthtender.com/insights/health-is-wealth/