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It seems a pity that the world should throw away so many…

“It seems a pity that the world should throw away so many good things merely because they are unwholesome. I doubt if God has given us any refreshment which taken in moderation is unwholesome except microbes. Yet there are people who strictly deprive themselves of each and every eatable drinkable…” quote by Mark Twain
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““It seems a pity that the world should throw away so many good things merely because they are unwholesome. I doubt if God has given us any refreshment which taken in moderation is unwholesome except microbes. Yet 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.””

Mark Twain

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

People sacrifice pleasure for health, often paying too high a price for minimal benefit.

In simple terms: Giving up pleasures for health can be excessive.

Key Takeaway

Seek balanced health choices.

Themes

health moderation asceticism

Mood

contemplative critical

Type

satirical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • dietary choices
  • smoking cessation
  • exercise regimens

Key Concepts

well‑being self‑control cost‑benefit

Questions to Reflect On

  • What pleasures are worth keeping?
  • How to find health without extreme sacrifice?
A Different Perspective

Extreme restriction may harm mental health and social life.

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