proverb · Words worth keeping
He liveth long that liveth well.
He liveth long that liveth well.
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
A life can be valued for how it is lived as well as for its duration. Living well gives the idea of a long life an ethical or qualitative meaning.
Example
A remembrance values the kindness and useful work in someone’s life rather than measuring its worth only by age.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The sentence brings long and well together, inviting a reading in which a life’s richness matters more than its count of years. A person who acts meaningfully or treats others with care may be said to have made good use of their time. It can encourage attention to what fills a day rather than only to how many days there might be. It should not become a health claim that virtuous people necessarily live longer, or a judgment that someone who dies young failed to live properly.
When to use it
Use it to reflect on the quality and purpose of a life.
Keep in mind
Ethical conduct does not guarantee longevity, and early death does not indicate a badly lived life.
An interpretation of the words, not a claim about their earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- Date unknown
- Culture
- English