It is better to lose health like a spendthrift than to waste it like a miser.

In this quote, Robert Louis Stevenson contrasts two attitudes toward health using the metaphors of a spendthrift and a miser. He suggests that it is better to live life fully, even at the cost of health, like a spendthrift who spends without hesitation, than to hoard health obsessively like a miser, never enjoying it or living life to the fullest. Stevenson implies that the true value of health lies not in its preservation but in its use, encouraging people to embrace life and its experiences rather than hold back out of fear of losing health.

Stevenson’s statement suggests that there is a balance to be struck between living in a way that fully engages with life and maintaining health in an overly cautious or restrictive manner. While excessive indulgence might result in health problems, so too can overprotection lead to a life that is limited and lacks the vitality that comes from active participation in the world. Health should be appreciated and used as a resource to engage in life, rather than hoarded or feared.

The origin of this quote lies in Robert Louis Stevenson’s broader philosophy of life, which often focused on the importance of embracing life fully and living with purpose. Known for his adventurous spirit, Stevenson was a proponent of experiencing life with vigor, despite his own health struggles. His works often reflect this philosophy, advocating for a life rich in experience and expression.

Ultimately, Stevenson’s quote serves as a reminder to live a life that values both health and experience, avoiding the extremes of excessive indulgence or fearful restraint. By using the figures of the spendthrift and the miser, Stevenson encourages a balanced approach to life, where we engage fully with the world while still being mindful of our health.