“I have never yet met a healthy person who worried very much about his health, or a really good person who worried much about his own soul.” —John B. S. Haldane
Or… kind of like how the person who says “I’m not competitive” is usually the one flipping the board game when they lose.
—Meaning: when you’re genuinely well or truly good, you live it naturally — you don’t have to obsess over proving it.
Or… basically, when you’re sick, your grandma will either stuff you with soup or forbid you from touching the fridge — and somehow both are “doctor’s orders.”
—Meaning: listen to your body. Sometimes it needs fuel, sometimes it needs rest.
“To ensure good health: Eat lightly, breathe deeply, live moderately, cultivate cheerfulness, and maintain an interest in life. —William Londen”
Or, in other words: don’t just count calories, count moments. Laughter is cheaper than medicine, curiosity lasts longer than vitamins, and joy is the best daily workout.
“Kindness, like grain, increases by sowing… but thankfully, you don’t need a tractor or overalls to spread it around.” —Meaning: small acts of kindness can multiply just as crops do—minus the farm equipment.
“Health is not simply the absence of sickness… it’s also being able to bend over without making it a three-step process to get back up.” —Meaning: true health means feeling capable and energetic, not just ‘not sick.’
Scripture:“Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus…” (John 12:3)
In Bible times, spikenard was a rare and expensive essential oil imported from the Himalayas. Its strong, sweet aroma symbolized honor, devotion, and sacrifice. When Mary anointed Jesus’ feet, the fragrance filled the room, reflecting her complete love and surrender.
Today, spikenard essential oil is still valued for its grounding and calming qualities. Just as Mary’s offering carried deep spiritual meaning, spikenard reminds us that true devotion carries a fragrance that lingers in both heart and memory.
“Keep the body in good health is a duty… otherwise your brain will feel like it’s running on dial-up while your body’s still buffering.” —Translation: eat a veggie, take a walk, so your mind can load life in high-speed instead of freezing mid-thought.
Thomas Fuller was a prolific writer and historian whose works often contained sharp observations about human nature. Born in England in 1608, Fuller became known for his engaging storytelling and insightful proverbs, many of which remain relevant today. His book Gnomologia: Adagies and Proverbs compiled many such maxims, reflecting his deep understanding of life’s realities. Fuller lived during a time of great hardship, including the English Civil War, where sickness and suffering were widespread. This likely influenced his perspective on the fleeting nature of good health. His famous proverb, “Health is not valued till sickness comes,” highlights a universal truth—people often overlook their well-being until it is compromised.
This saying remains profoundly relevant in modern society, where busy lifestyles, stress, and poor habits can lead to neglecting personal health. Many people fail to appreciate their ability to move freely, breathe easily, or live without pain until illness strikes. The proverb serves as a reminder to prioritize health before problems arise, encouraging preventive care and mindful living. Advances in medicine and technology have made healthcare more accessible, yet the fundamental lesson remains unchanged—good health is a priceless gift, and once lost, it is not always easy to regain. Fuller’s words continue to resonate, urging people to cherish and maintain their well-being before they are forced to confront the consequences of neglect.
John Kensington, a wealthy businessman in 19th-century London, spent decades amassing a fortune. He owned textile mills, invested in railways, and lived in a grand estate. But in his relentless pursuit of wealth, he neglected his well-being—working long hours, surviving on rich but unhealthy meals, and avoiding rest. At 55, he was diagnosed with severe heart disease. His doctor told him, “All your gold cannot buy back your health.” Forced into retirement, John sought cures in European spas, hiring the best physicians, but nothing restored his youth or energy. One day, he visited an old friend, a modest farmer named Samuel, who lived simply but was strong and full of life. As they sat in the countryside, John realized that Samuel, though poor in riches, had something far more valuable—good health. That day, John uttered, “I would trade all my wealth to feel as you do.” But time had run out, proving the truth of the old proverb: good health is above wealth.