The phrase “health is wealth” can be interpreted in various ways, including the value of physical and mental well-being over material possessions, the connection between health and achieving goals, the importance of using wealth, the impact of health on income, the value of health information, the importance of self-care, and the link between health and savings. It can also refer to the influence of career choices on health.
The phrase “health is wealth” has a number of different interpretations, with none necessarily becoming “right”. It may refer to the value or use of things and money, the connection between a person’s goals and physical state, or how illness can negatively affect work and income. Other ways to look at it involve empowerment, decreasing spending, and the importance of taking care of yourself.
The “stuff” doesn’t matter
One possible interpretation of “health is wealth” is that being free from disease and pain has a wealth of its own. In this sense, being healthy in body is worth at least as much as – or even more – than any material possessions someone may have. Many people like this definition because it reminds them to leave the superficiality behind and look beyond the “stuff”. This is probably the most common way people think of the quote, and sometimes people use a variation to make the meaning clearer: “The greatest wealth is health.”
Feeling good helps dreams
Considering that some things in life are priceless and cannot be bought with money, “health is wealth” could mean that how a person feels mentally and physically is related to the pursuit of goals and dreams. A good example is someone who wants to be a singer or woodwind player, because these jobs require a person to have strong abdominal muscles and an infection-free respiratory system to breathe well. Actors or sportspeople also need to be free from the disease because their careers depend on the ability to physically move and interact with others. Even temporary goals, such as going to see the ocean, may not be possible if an individual is not feeling well.
Wealth must be used
A closely related view is that unless a person is well, it is difficult for him to really enjoy the things he has. The implication is that money and possessions essentially have no value unless someone actually uses them. Acquisition or possessions by themselves do not make a person wealthy.
Physical status affects income
Some people think that this phrase means that health strongly affects a person’s ability to work. If a person calls in sickness to his employer, for example, he could lose the income he would have earned for the day, depending on how much sick time the company allows. Similarly, if a person is chronically ill, he may not be able to hold down a job for long, even though he may be eligible for unemployment or disability benefits. The way a person feels physically can limit his or her income and resources, so health and wealth are always linked and even can be seen as equal.
Health information has value
Another way to look at this common quote is that information about someone’s current body condition or well-being is valuable because it is empowering. If a person discovers they have cancer, for example, they and their doctor can discuss what types of treatment might be best. He can make an educated decision for himself and remain in control of his own well-being. Often these choices affect other areas of life. An individual might be more aggressive in tidying up his property than he is if he knows that his remaining time is limited, for example.
A “me” focus is fine
For some individuals, “health is wealth” is a reminder to take care of yourself. The idea is that, by getting regular medical care, exercising, eating right, and engaging in other beneficial activities, such as meditation, a person is making a type of personal investment. It may not be financial, per se, but it has clearly identifiable returns, such as being more free to socialise. Critics sometimes say this interpretation encourages a selfish or self-centered viewpoint. Proponents point out that, when a person is not well, it is usually extremely difficult for him to help or give everything to someone else, and that building strong relationships, families and society in general, therefore, must start with a single person who look inside.
Health and savings are intertwined
In most cases, medical care is not free. When a person takes care of himself, he usually doesn’t need to be treated as often. This generally results in decreased medical spending, so some people think this phrase means that part of being money smart or rich is staying healthy.
Careers affect the body
In some quarters, the quote is thought to mean that a person’s work, which is usually a major source of wealth, has an influence on both his physical and mental well-being. Someone who is extremely stressed at work, for example, might experience problems such as blood pressure spikes, trouble sleeping or depression. Similarly, some positions are considered more dangerous than others, such as being a construction worker or policeman instead of an IT specialist. With that in mind, what a person chooses in terms of career can’t really be separated from their health. In fact, many people choose or switch to certain professions precisely because they want to improve how they feel or because they want to avoid injury and illness.
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