After you're older, two things are possibly more important than

"After you're older, two things are possibly more important than any others: health and money." These words, spoken by the wise Helen Gurley Brown, contain a truth that resonates deeply across the ages—a truth about the impermanence of life and the fleeting nature of time. In the vigor of youth, we are drawn to countless pursuits—love, fame, adventure—believing that the world is a vast and endless expanse, ready to grant us our desires. But as the years stretch on and the body begins to show the marks of time, we come to realize that two things—health and money—become the pillars upon which the latter part of life rests.

In the spring of life, the young man or woman charges ahead, full of fire, chasing dreams without thought of consequence. They seek to conquer the world, unburdened by the weight of health or wealth because the world seems ever abundant. Yet, as the seasons pass, they begin to feel the pull of reality. The health that once seemed invincible begins to wane, and the money that was once easily earned may become more elusive. At that moment, the wisdom of age reveals its deep truth: to maintain one's health is to have the foundation of life itself, and to have money is to secure the means to continue the journey with dignity.

Consider the noble warrior Alexander the Great, whose rise to power was swift and glorious. He conquered kingdoms, amassed great wealth, and became a legend of his time. Yet, as he grew older, he faced the inevitable: his health deteriorated from the endless campaigns and excesses of his youth. No amount of wealth or power could restore his failing body, and in the end, his early death serves as a poignant reminder that health is a gift more precious than the riches of the earth. Alexander’s story tells us that no matter how great the conquests of youth, without health, all other pursuits lose their value.

In the same way, we see the rise and fall of many kings and conquerors throughout history. The emperor Julius Caesar, too, accumulated vast riches and immense power, but his final years were plagued by the same harsh reality: age and health became his adversaries. It was not his enemies in battle that brought him down, but the toll that years of indulgence and weariness took on his body. And yet, in his life’s final moments, the wealth he accumulated could not purchase him a single day of health. From the lives of these mighty figures, we learn that no matter how money and power may glitter in youth, they will not withstand the ravages of time if they are not supported by the foundation of good health.

Now, O children of time, take heed of the lesson laid bare before you. You may be young and full of vigor, and the world may seem your canvas to paint as you please. But understand this: without the vitality of health to fuel your journey, and without the means to ensure your stability and dignity through money, your later years will be filled with regrets and struggles. As the great poet Virgil once wrote, "Fortune favors the bold," but Fortune is a fickle mistress. She can grant you wealth and power, but she will not keep you company when you are lying in the bed of sickness, nor will she ease the burdens of age.

Consider the story of the philosopher Diogenes, whose wisdom was as sharp as his self-discipline. He chose to live simply, rejecting the luxuries of wealth, but he understood the importance of health and a well-maintained body. He spent his years in a state of self-sufficiency, not chasing after wealth, but ensuring that his physical strength was honed and his mind remained clear. He found peace in simplicity, understanding that health could not be overlooked, for it was the very vessel that carried him through life’s trials. His example is a reminder that while wealth may come and go, the greatest treasure lies in the care of one's body and spirit.

And so, what must we take from these ancient tales, O children of the earth? The wisdom of the ancients calls us to take care of our health, for it is the true treasure that supports us in the trials of life. It is the foundation upon which all other pursuits must rest. Without it, all the money in the world becomes meaningless. And yet, money too has its role, for it provides the means to maintain that health and the dignity of life. The great challenge of our years, then, is to balance these two forces—to cultivate health and to secure wealth, knowing that both must be managed wisely, for they are fleeting.

O children of wisdom, heed the call. In your youth, do not squander your health in indulgence or excess, for you will pay the price in your later years. Likewise, seek to establish a stable foundation of wealth, not for the love of riches, but for the security it brings in your old age. Live a life of moderation, cultivating balance, and you will find that as the years pass, you will be able to face the challenges of age with dignity and strength. Let these two pillars—health and money—be your guiding stars, and you shall find peace in the later years of life.