Letter to Ansh — 18 : Health is far more than wealth

Dear Ansh

It is Saturday, 16th of May 2020.

Winter has come, but it is a bright sunny day. The air is crisp and cool. Australia is a great place to be.

Unfortunately your mum and you are still stuck in Ahmedabad, the coronavirus pandemic continues to ravage the world.

Your great grandfather passed away this week, he was 96. Although we cannot be certain of his exact age, records do not really exist from that far back. The silverlining is he did not suffer for long.

Your grandmother (mums side) on the other hand seems to be struggling, and she is not even 65.

It is in these times we are reminded of the importance of health.

There is an old saying that goes along the lines of “Health is Wealth”.

While the intention here is correct, it is not an accurate saying.

See money can be made in many different ways. You can inherit it, you can steal it or you can rob it. Most people work a job for it, and others will start a business that allows their time to be scaled and makes them far more money with far less effort. Some people get better opportunities and guidance and end up making more money than others who might work equally hard.

Physical health operates in a very different way.

You cannot steal someone's health, you cannot rob it. You might be born healthy but far more babies are born healthy than they are born rich, which means most start on an equal footing.

And more money can be made by working smartly and doing something commoditized that scales well. However if you want to have 6 pack abs you absolutely have to put in the work, same as everyone. You do not get an exponentially greater return for the same amount of work. While in business if you have a great product or service, your returns can be many times more than your effort.

Health outcomes are the great leveller. You have to earn it by putting the grunt work.

Yes doing the right exercise, having access to and eating the right food etc is important but you still have to exercise and you still have to avoid eating chocolates and fried food.

When it comes to having a great health, the rich and poor are almost on an equal footing.

When someone who has a earned a great physique by working out walks on the street, you can know just by looking at them that he or she has put in the hours to earn that. You have evidence that this person is immensely disciplined, has withstood pain and endured hardships to achieve what they wanted. You know they have the ability to avoid temptation and are willing to forego immediate gratification for long term gain.

All of which are qualities you need to succeed in life in any field.

Being healthy allows you to enjoy life to its fullest. When you are physically fit you will have an alert mind which can be applied to fulfill whatever you desire.

You are fortunate to be born in a country like Australia, where you will get access to great nutrition and a good focus on sports. Make the best of it.

Your loving father

Moresh