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What Does "Health Is Wealth" Mean?
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  • Written By: Patti Kate
  • Edited By: W. Everett
  • Copyright Protected:
    2003-2012
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"Health is wealth" is one of many common sayings that has been used over the years to describe that one's good health should be prized above all else. The saying might refer to a person who enjoys good health and therefore is abundantly rich in the most essential way. The idea that good health is worth more than material wealth is at the root of the expression. Without good health, being wealthy in other aspects cannot be appreciated or can become meaningless.

Another interpretation of the saying health is wealth might be that being financially wealthy or owning all of the riches imaginable cannot buy good health. Health is wealth might mean that when one enjoys a healthy life without the worry of disease or illness, he is wealthy in the most important way. No amount of money can buy back wellness once it is lost.

There are other similar sayings about health, such as "the greatest wealth is health." This is a variation of the original quote. It means that possessing good health makes one rich in the greatest possible way. It can also be interpreted to mean that having good health throughout one's life is worth more than being rich.

Sayings about health and wealth have been noted throughout time. Benjamin Franklin was quoted as saying, "Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise." This has been a popular saying for centuries.

The saying health is wealth may also inspire the belief that without good health, a wealthy man cannot fully enjoy his riches. Conversely, a healthy individual has the potential to achieve his goals. An individual in excellent health may have the ability to become wealthy, but a person who is ailing may never have the opportunity to bring his dreams to life.

When a quote or saying becomes widely used and extremely popular, it generally tends to be passed on throughout the years. Health is wealth is one of those sayings that has remained popular for many years. In the study of language and humanities, the common phrase health is wealth can be classified as a mainstay expression.

Quotes have been coined from many philosophers and authors throughout history. Health is wealth may be known as a phrase, a saying, or an expression. Another saying or expression that has similar meaning is "When you have your health, you have everything." This saying means that the healthy individual is extremely wealthy in a fundamental way.

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jumbo46
Post 4

Health is a primary asset to all mankind. Health is the real wealth and not just pieces of gold or silver. Money cannot buy you good health. One should take care of one's health and not neglect it just to run after money. As nony says, "Prevention is better than cure."

hamje32
Post 2

@nony - I agree. I’ve known some very well-off people who were sick and couldn’t enjoy life, and some poor people who were radiant in health and so could enjoy the little that they had. Of course I’d rather be healthy and wealthy but if I had to take my pick, I’d choose health for wealth any day.

nony
Post 1

When you consider how much money is taken out of your pocket every time you go to the doctor, or pay your insurance premium, or check into the emergency room, you really understand the meaning of “health is wealth.” Health and nutrition are so important for both now and for the future.

They say prevention is the best cure. If Benjamin Franklin were around today he might ay, “Prevention is the best investment.”

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