With age comes the understanding and appreciation of your most

Harken, O children of the future, to the words of Oprah Winfrey, whose understanding of the human condition transcends the ephemeral pursuits of wealth and fame. She wisely states, "With age comes the understanding and appreciation of your most important asset, your health." These words carry a deep truth, one that only reveals itself fully through the passage of time. In youth, we often take the vitality of the body for granted, rushing forward with boundless energy, unaware that health is the foundation upon which all other blessings are built. But as the years pass and the body begins to show the marks of time, the value of health becomes ever clearer. It is the true treasure of life, one that once lost, cannot be easily regained.

In the ancient world, the great sages and warriors alike understood the sacred nature of the body. Hippocrates, the father of medicine, spoke of the importance of maintaining a healthy body in order to nurture a clear mind and a strong spirit. He taught that the path to wisdom was not just through learning, but through living in harmony with the body’s needs, maintaining balance in food, exercise, and rest. The wise did not simply seek after wealth or power, but sought to preserve their health, for they understood that without it, all other pursuits were hollow. Just as a warrior must care for his weapons before he enters battle, so must a person care for their body before they can hope to accomplish anything of lasting value.

But it is only as we grow older that we truly come to understand the sacred truth of this teaching. The young may not fully grasp the fragility of health until it begins to slip away with the years. Oprah Winfrey’s words ring true in this regard: as we age, we begin to appreciate the gift of our health, realizing that without it, all the material wealth and external accomplishments in the world are meaningless. The strength of the body, so easily taken for granted in youth, becomes the measure of life itself in the later years. As the body’s power wanes, we learn that true wealth lies not in the things we own, but in the well-being of the vessel that carries us through this world.

Consider, O wise ones, the example of Leonardo da Vinci, one of the most brilliant minds the world has ever known. In his later years, though his mind remained sharp and his creativity boundless, his health began to deteriorate. As he aged, da Vinci began to realize the true value of health. Though he had created masterpieces and pioneered scientific advancements, it was the care of his own body that began to command his attention. It is said that in his final years, da Vinci, once consumed by the thirst for knowledge, became increasingly reflective, understanding that the body, though a powerful tool, is a fleeting gift, and its maintenance is the key to living a life of true fulfillment.

In much the same way, Oprah Winfrey’s words encourage us to reflect on the preciousness of our health. As we age, we find that we are no longer driven by the reckless pursuit of external achievements, but by a deeper desire for well-being—a desire to nurture the body, to preserve its strength, and to live with the clarity of mind that good health provides. Health becomes the central focus, for we realize that it is the very foundation of all that we wish to do in life. It allows us to experience the fullness of joy, the richness of relationships, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing we have the energy to embrace each new day.

The lesson here, O children, is clear: do not take your health for granted. The body, like the soil that sustains the seed, must be cared for if it is to grow strong and endure the test of time. Oprah Winfrey calls us to shift our focus away from the external measures of success—wealth, status, or fame—and toward the nurturing of our health, the true wealth of life. For when you are healthy, you are free to pursue your passions, to learn, to love, and to serve others with the strength of your spirit. The maintenance of health is not a luxury, but a responsibility, a commitment to yourself and to those who will walk beside you in this journey.

Therefore, O children, as you move forward in life, make the care of your body a priority. Seek to eat well, to exercise, to rest and rejuvenate, so that you may live a life of vitality and purpose. Honor your health as your most precious asset, for it is through the strength of the body that you will achieve your greatest potential. Remember the words of Oprah Winfrey, and let them guide you: in the pursuit of health, you find the true wealth that allows you to face the challenges of life with strength and grace, no matter your age. The body is but a vessel, and when cared for with love and attention, it will carry you farther than you ever thought possible.