It's not how long, but how well, we live.

Meaning: Quality of life matters more than its duration; meaningful living trumps mere longevity.

Origin: From 'A Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases' (1870). Public domain.

More proverbs about Wisdom

• The longest liver dies at last. — Everyone eventually faces mortality, regardless of how long they manage to live.
• He that lives not well one year sorrows for it seven. — Poor choices compound over time; a year of vice breeds seven years of regret and conseque…
• He liveth long that liveth well. — Living virtuously extends life's value beyond mere years; quality of conduct outlasts qua…
• A living dog is better than a dead lion. — Present survival and humble circumstances outweigh past glory or noble defeat.
• You needn't lock the stable door when the steed is stolen. — Prevention before loss occurs matters far more than remedies applied after damage is done.
• They look one way and row another. — Deceptive intentions hidden beneath outward appearances guide people toward false destina…

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