A healthy beggar is happier than a sick king.

What it means

Schopenhauer says health outweighs every external good. Without it, nothing else can be enjoyed. Guard it first.

The source

"A healthy beggar is happier than a sick king." Schopenhauer said it in Aphorisms on the Wisdom of Life, ch. 1. Translated from the original German by Spartan Surfers.

"daß wahrlich ein gesunder Bettler glücklicher ist als ein kranker König"

Original German, Aphorisms on the Wisdom of Life, ch. 1. Text read at gutenberg.org.

Who said it

Schopenhauer (1788–1860). German philosopher of the will and the great pessimist, who still wrote a practical guide to living as well as one can.

Questions

What does "A healthy beggar is happier than a sick king." mean?

Schopenhauer says health outweighs every external good. Without it, nothing else can be enjoyed. Guard it first.

Who said "A healthy beggar is happier than a sick king."?

Schopenhauer (1788–1860). Source: Aphorisms on the Wisdom of Life, ch. 1.

What is the original German?

daß wahrlich ein gesunder Bettler glücklicher ist als ein kranker König. Translated from the original German by Spartan Surfers.

Is "A healthy beggar is happier than a sick king." on a shirt?

Yes. We print it to order on our tees in 7 illustrated looks, from $44, with free US shipping.

"A healthy beggar is happier than a sick king." (Schopenhauer, Aphorisms on the Wisdom of Life, ch. 1, translated by Spartan Surfers). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/a-healthy-beggar-is-happier-than-a-sick