By Jean Baptiste Ndabananiye
It is easy to overlook one of life’s simplest yet most profound truth: health is the true wealth, in a world that relentlessly chases financial success and material accumulation. Nevertheless, as the late Mahatma Gandhi so wisely put it, “It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.” This statement not only highlights the invaluable nature of health but also urges us to reconsider what we value most in our lives. Likewise, the late Thomas Fuller’s words “Health is not valued till sickness comes” offer a sobering reminder that many only come to appreciate the importance of good health when it is jeopardized. The late Ralph Waldo Emerson also said “The first wealth is health” while Virgil echoed it in these words “The greatest wealth is health.”
Emerson was an American philosopher and wrote so in 1860, according to the OPEC Fund for International Development—a multilateral development finance institution. In its 8 April 2016 article “The Greatest Wealth is Health”, the United Nations Environment Program—UNEP— emphasized upon Virgil’s ancient statement. “On World Health Day, we could reflect upon thousands of sayings related to health. Perhaps, however, the one that best defines how central well-being is to human happiness and prosperity was coined over 2,000 years ago by the Roman poet Virgil, when he said, ‘The greatest wealth is health’.
One would hope that two millennia would be long enough for such simple wisdom to sink in—and we have made progress in eradicating diseases and reducing the poverty that damages our ability to live long, happy and productive lives. Yet human society is still managing to invent new ways to harm itself.”
Our modern society, with its emphasis on achievement, wealth, and success, often places health on the backburner—a low priority. People work long hours, push their physical and mental limits, and neglect self-care—all in the pursuit of more. Yet, the reality remains: without health, wealth loses its meaning. It is only when illness strikes or when we face a personal health crisis that we come to realize just how much we depend on our well-being. The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially recognized burnout as an occupational phenomenon, linking chronic workplace stress to severe health issues like heart disease and depression. With shocking numbers, WHO also shows that excessive working hours increase the risk of stroke and heart disease.
This article seeks to explore interconnectedness between health and wealth, illustrating how true prosperity lies in maintaining and nurturing our health. Through these reflections from Gandhi and Fuller, among others, we can learn valuable lessons about how to lead a life that values health as the foundation for true success and fulfillment. The article is organized around these major parts:
- The maximal importance of health often overlooked
- Health as wealth
- The value of health in crisis
- Lessons for a balance life
- Conclusion
The maximal importance of health often overlooked
Health is often described as the most valuable asset a person can possess, as it directly influences every aspect of one’s life—physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It is a state of complete well-being, not merely the absence of disease. Life In Humanity will come back to the profound message contained in ‘complete well–being’ by fully defining what health truly means. The quotes on health highlight the timeless truth that health is a crucial foundation for leading a prosperous and fulfilling life. When one’s health is compromised, everything else becomes secondary.
For centuries, philosophers, doctors, and spiritual leaders have underscored the idea that health stands more valuable than material wealth. Gandhi’s famous statement “It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver” conveys the essence that well-being in all its forms represents the true form of wealth. Health is divided into various essential types: from physical to mental, emotional, environmental, occupational, and even spiritual types of health, among others, as you can see on this platform—Life In Humanity in the main beat of Health.
Gandhi arrived on the Earth in 1869 and was assassinated in 1948. He was an Indian lawyer and leader who pioneered nonviolent resistance in the struggle for India’s independence from British rule. His philosophy of peace, civil disobedience, and self-reliance inspired movements for justice and freedom worldwide.
Fuller’s quote, “Health is not valued till sickness comes,” provides a sobering perspective. People often take their health for granted until they face illness or injury. It is in these challenging moments that individuals begin to appreciate the true value of good health. The body, like any other resource, requires maintenance. Yet, it is common to neglect self-care until the body protests in the form of illness. This temporary mindset creates an imbalance where people focus more on acquiring material wealth than on nurturing their health.
According to Peoria Magazine, Fuller was an English churchman and historian who lived in the 1600s and is remembered particularly for his writings.
It is important to emphasize that our modern society often prioritizes work, wealth, and achievement over personal well-being. This leads to the neglect of physical fitness, mental health, and overall wellness. The rapid pace of contemporary life has conditioned people to ignore the signs of burnout, poor health, and stress. Gandhi and Fuller’s quotes serve as gentle reminders that we must reassess what we value most.
As already said, this most important resource is generally ignored. However, the best time to prioritize health is now, before irreversible damage occurs. Small, consistent changes today—whether in diet, spirituality, stress management, or sleep—can result in a significantly healthier and more fulfilling life in the long run. People generally neglect the spiritual realm.
Nevertheless, it constitutes an optimally powerful sphere, as even underlined by one of notable physicians on this planet Dr. Jeffrey Rediger in these articles: Spiritual health, thoroughly explained for you to deeply understand it. “Western medicine has it all wrong” , Cancer, consciousness, and the cure we ignore—the radical science behind mind-body healing , and Once a skeptic of spiritual healing, a prominent physician is now its fervent promoter. Brenda Michaels whom this article: Agathe Hagenimana: a testament to human potential beyond limits also offers another very compelling testament in this regard. Various sources affirm or suggest that health is generally overlooked.
Mental Health UK constitutes a charitable organization in the United Kingdom. It says “Our modern ways of life have drastically affected our work-life balance and stressors, causing many to experience burnout. We conducted polling of 4,418 adults in the UK, of which 2,436 were workers. We captured the public’s perceptions of burnout and the contributing factors in our Burnout Report 2025.
Burnout isn’t something which goes away on its own. If ignored or left untreated it can worsen and lead to chronic physical and mental health conditions such as heart disease or depression.”
WHO, on 17 May 2021, released a story headlined “Long working hours increasing deaths from heart disease and stroke: WHO, ILO”. In this story, the WHO quoted its joint estimates with the International Labour Organization [ILO] published in Environment International. Based on the estimates, the WHO highlighted that long working hours caused 745 000 deaths from stroke and ischemic heart disease in 2016, a 29 per cent increase since 2000.
The WHO then revealed alarming information and statistics. “In a first global analysis of the loss of life and health associated with working long hours, WHO and ILO estimate that, in 2016, 398 000 people died from stroke and 347 000 from heart disease as a result of having worked at least 55 hours a week. Between 2000 and 2016, the number of deaths from heart disease due to working long hours increased by 42%, and from stroke by 19%.
This work-related disease burden is particularly significant in men (72% of deaths occurred among males), people living in the Western Pacific and South-East Asia regions, and middle-aged or older workers. Most of the deaths recorded were among people dying aged 60-79 years, who had worked for 55 hours or more per week between the ages of 45 and 74 years.”
This UN’s agency responsible for health in the world further stated “With working long hours now known to be responsible for about one-third of the total estimated work-related burden of disease, it is established as the risk factor with the largest occupational disease burden. This shifts thinking towards a relatively new and more psychosocial occupational risk factor to human health.
The study concludes that working 55 or more hours per week is associated with an estimated 35% higher risk of a stroke and a 17% higher risk of dying from ischemic heart disease, compared to working 35-40 hours a week. Further, the number of people working long hours is increasing, and currently stands at 9% of the total population globally. This trend puts even more people at risk of work-related disability and early death.”
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, stated “No job is worth the risk of stroke or heart disease. Governments, employers and workers need to work together to agree on limits to protect the health of workers.”
“Working 55 hours or more per week is a serious health hazard,” added Dr Maria Neira, Director, Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health, at the World Health Organization. “It’s time that we all, governments, employers, and employees wake up to the fact that long working hours can lead to premature death”.
The WHO furnished some pieces of advice for governments, employers and workers where it said that the following actions could be crucial to protect workers’ health.
- Governments can introduce, implement and enforce laws, regulations and policies that ban mandatory overtime and ensure maximum limits on working time.
- Bipartite or collective bargaining agreements between employers and workers’ associations can arrange working time to be more flexible, while at the same time agreeing on a maximum number of working hours.
- Employees could share working hours to ensure that numbers of hours worked do not climb above 55 or more per week.
Two systematic reviews and meta-analyses of the latest evidence were conducted for the joint study, according to the WHO. It adds that data from 37 studies on ischemic heart disease covering more than 768 000 participants and 22 studies on stroke covering more than 839 000 participants were synthesized. It further reports that the study covered global, regional and national levels, and was based on data from more than 2300 surveys collected in 154 countries from 1970-2018.
Despite being the foundation of a fulfilling life, health is often ignored in pursuit of work, wealth, and material success. Many only realize its importance when faced with illness, by which time the damage may already be severe. The alarming rise in burnout, stress-related diseases, and preventable health conditions proves that neglecting well-being engenders dire consequences. To build a healthier future; individuals, employers, and governments must prioritize balanced lifestyles, preventive care, and policies that protect physical, mental, and spiritual health before it turns too late.
Meanwhile, The UNEP through its afore-mentioned story states “Thanks to big advances in technology, science, policies and investments, humankind has made great strides towards better health in the last decades. However, it is not a story of perfect progress.”
Health as wealth
While the modern world places more emphasis on financial success, the value of health cannot be overstated. The saying “health is wealth” goes beyond the metaphor; it reflects a deeper truth: without health, we cannot fully enjoy or benefit from the wealth we accumulate. Our health provides the energy, vitality, and clarity of mind to pursue our passions and goals. It allows us to work efficiently, engage in meaningful relationships, and make the most of the opportunities that come our way.
The connection between health and wealth is particularly relevant when considering the costs of poor health. Chronic illnesses, accidents, or mental health struggles can diminish productivity and incur significant medical expenses. As individuals face these challenges, their financial resources may be depleted in efforts to restore health. In many cases, the value of a good doctor, a health insurance plan, or the ability to access quality care becomes more apparent when health is harmed.
In its 2 January 2019 story titled “Why this is the year we must take action on mental health”, the World Economic Forum pointed out “The global mental health crisis could cost the world $16 trillion by 2030. With mental disorders on the rise in every country in the world, nowhere is immune. Poor mental health stops employees from reaching their full potential and forces them to take more sick days, stunting productivity and economic growth. This is also a challenge with society-wide ramifications.
People with serious conditions such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder are especially likely to be marginalised by their communities. Those with the most severe conditions pay with their lives, dying prematurely – as much as two decades before their time.”
Gandhi’s assertion and the others’ suggest that material wealth alone cannot guarantee a fulfilling life. Imagine being financially prosperous yet unable to enjoy life due to debilitating illness. Health ensures the physical and mental capacity to fully engage with the world, build connections, and seize opportunities. It enhances personal freedom, as good health allows individuals to live independently, pursue passions, and even contribute to society.
This section suggests the idea of health as a form of empowerment. Healthy individuals are better equipped to face challenges, take calculated risks, and build sustainable futures. Wealth in the form of money may provide short-term satisfaction, but without health, it becomes meaningless. Several individuals have lived lives of financial abundance only to face the regret of not having prioritized their health.
The value of health in crisis
The truth behind Fuller’s quote “Health is not valued till sickness comes” can be observed in moments of health crises. It is in such times that the fragility of human existence becomes undeniable.
When an individual is struck by illness or injury, all material concerns fade into the background as survival instincts take over. The importance of health is often realized only when it is threatened.
Take, for instance, the global COVID-19 pandemic. During this time, people worldwide were forced to confront the limits of their health. Health systems were overwhelmed, and individuals were faced with the stark reality that their well-being was the ultimate priority. The virus didn’t discriminate based on wealth, status, or power—no amount of money could guarantee immunity from its effects. During such a crisis, people found themselves reflecting on their lives, questioning what really mattered, and recognizing the value of health above all else.
The pandemic also highlighted how interlinked personal and societal health is. When communities suffer poor health, the ripple effects extend to economic systems, education, and societal structure. The sickness of individuals can affect families, workplaces, and even entire nations. It is a poignant reminder that health is not a private concern, but a public one as well.
People generally only come to understand the true importance of health in these difficult situations. What often happens is a complete shift in perspective, where personal health becomes the center of attention, while material wealth and possessions seem insignificant. In times of health crises, people seek not just medical care, but human connection, compassion, and support that come from those around them.
Lessons for a balanced life
The late Steve Jobs’ case can serve as a convincing example in this aspect. On 28 October 2011, Entrepreneur ran a story entitled “Steve Jobs: Victim of His Own Dogged Determination?”
“The same dogged determination that drove tech entrepreneur Steve Jobs to control every aspect of Apple’s products as well as the customer experience — which pushed the company to make revolutionary products as well as staggering profits — might have also led to his personal downfall. In 1997, when Jobs returned to Apple as CEO, he also was overseeing digital animation film studio Pixar.
The balancing act between the two high-profile roles, as well as his family and health, wasn’t working out. Stressed and overworked, Jobs developed kidney stones and made numerous hospital visits for the pain.”
This platform recounts that the late Jobs, recalling in Walter Isaacson’s biography, himself revealed “It was really, really rough, the worst time in my life. I had a young family. I had Pixar. I would go to work at 7 a.m. and I’d get back at 9 at night, and the kids would be in bed. And I couldn’t speak, I literally couldn’t, I was so exhausted. … It got close to killing me.”
Entrepreneur further relates tha six years later, in 2003, Jobs encountered a urologist who had treated him. This website adds that the doctor suggested that he undergo a scan to review the health of his kidneys, and that Jobs consented. “Although his kidneys appeared fine, the doctors detected a cancerous tumor on Jobs’ pancreas. But the tumor was caught early enough that the doctors were confident they could remove it and avoid the cancer from spreading.”
“To the shock of his family and friends”, Jobs said that he was determined not to accept surgery, opting instead to pursue alternative therapies of his choice. “I really didn’t want them to open up my body, so I tried to see if a few other things would work,” Jobs says in the book. Entrepreneur says that his experiments included a vegan diet with carrot and fruit juices, acupuncture, a variety of herbal remedies and consulting with a psychic.
Entrepreneur highlights “But the creative thinking and unwaivering determination that made him a fascinating and visionary entrepreneur were no match for cancer. In July 2004, another scan showed the tumor had grown significantly. Jobs relented and underwent surgery. Although the doctors removed the tumor as well as a portion of his pancreas, they noticed the cancer had spread over the last several months to Jobs’ liver.”
“Had they operated nine months earlier, they might have caught it before it spread, though they would never know for sure,” Isaacson writes in the book.
Jobs clung to his work with an unyielding grip, even as his body withered under the relentless weight of illness. His unwavering commitment to Apple, choosing boardrooms over hospital rooms until his final days, underscores how profoundly his devotion to innovation eclipsed his own well-being. “Jobs started a chemotherapy regimen but struggled with his health, and pain, for the rest of his life. In January 2011, following a liver transplant, Jobs said he was taking a medical leave of absence from Apple but that he’d continue as CEO and “be involved in major strategic decisions for the company.
Eight months later, Apple’s board of directors announced that Jobs had resigned as CEO. Jobs said he would remain with the company as chairman. A little over a month later, on October 5, Jobs died of cancer at age 56. Despite the apparent handling of Jobs’ health, there is little dispute over the significance of his professional legacy as an entrepreneur. Consumers, as well as the overall tech industry, can thank Jobs and his vision for creating an army of products that have changed peoples’ lives.”
Incorporating both Gandhi’s and Fuller’s reflections into our daily lives can help guide us toward a more balanced and thoughtful existence. We must begin to recognize that health is not only an individual responsibility but also a collective value. In our modern society, there is a need to shift focus back to the importance of nurturing physical, mental, and emotional health in a sustainable manner.
A balanced life begins with understanding the interplay between work, leisure, physical activity, and rest. For many, the pursuit of material wealth overshadows self-care, but this mindset leads to burnout, stress, and eventually illness. Finding equilibrium is essential. It involves securing time for exercise, eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and maintaining mental health practices such as mindfulness or stress management.
Building a life that prioritizes health as the foundation of wealth is crucial for long-term happiness. Practical strategies for creating balance are vital, such as setting boundaries at work, taking regular breaks, incorporating health-promoting habits into daily routines, and cultivating relationships that support emotional well-being.
One important aspect of achieving balance includes learning how to invest in preventative health measures. Rather than waiting until illness arises, individuals can take proactive steps to protect their health, such as practicing good hygiene, staying active, and cultivating a positive mindset. In doing so, we move away from the reactive mentality described in Fuller’s quote and instead embrace a more mindful, health-centered approach to life.
Conclusion
All the quotes offer timeless wisdom that encourages us to reassess our priorities in life. The message in these quotes reminds us that true wealth is found in our health, not material possessions. Meanwhile, Fuller’s quote encourages us to recognize the value of health before it is too late. Together, these two reflections provide powerful lessons on how to lead a balanced life—one that values health as the foundation of prosperity and success. As we move forward in our fast-paced, modern world, it is crucial to remember that our health should never be taken for granted, for it forms the real wealth that allows us to live fully and meaningfully.