The art is long, life is short
HippocratesRead
Illnesses do not come upon us out of the blue. They are developed from small daily sins against Nature. When enough sins have accumulated, illnesses will suddenly appear.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Illnesses are a result of small, daily choices that go against natural living.
Hippocrates emphasizes that our health is affected by our daily actions and choices that neglect natural living. When we consistently make poor choices or 'sins' against nature—whether that be in our diet, activity, or overall lifestyle—these gradually build up and can lead to serious health issues manifesting in the form of illnesses.
Themes
HealthNatureLifestyleWellnessBalance
In practice
Example use cases
In a wellness seminar discussing lifestyle choices.
More from Hippocrates
All quotes →The body of man has in itself blood, phlegm, yellow bile and black bile; these make up the nature of this body, and through these he feels pain or enjoys health. Now he enjoys the most perfect health when these elements are duly proportioned to one another in respect of compounding, power and bulk, and when they are perfectly mingled.
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That which is used - develops. That which is not used wastes away.
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Cure sometimes, treat often, comfort always.
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Wine is an appropriate article for mankind, both for the healthy body and for the ailing man.
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Walking is man's best medicine.
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