There are people who strictly deprive themselves of each and every eatable, drinkable and smokable which has in any way acquired a shady reputation. They pay this price for health. And health is all they get for it. How strange it is. It is like paying out your whole fortune for a cow that has gone dry.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Twain critiques those who sacrifice all pleasure for health, suggesting the reward is minimal.
- In plain terms
- Sacrificing everything for health is a bad trade because you only get health in return.
- What can you take from it?
- Don't sacrifice joy for health if it's the only benefit.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is health worth losing all other pleasures?
- What do you gain from extreme restraint?
Another view
Some diseases make strict habits necessary, not optional.
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