“Be not sick too late, nor well too soon” is a wise saying that essentially advises moderation and caution in all aspects of life. The first part, “Be not sick too late,” warns against neglecting one’s health or other important aspects of life until it’s too late to recover or make amends. It’s a reminder to be proactive, to take care of oneself, and to address problems before they become severe.
The second part, “nor well too soon,” suggests that rushing to declare a problem solved or a task completed can be just as dangerous as ignoring it. It counsels patience, thoroughness, and a commitment to seeing things through to their true and complete resolution, rather than settling for quick, superficial fixes.
In today’s fast-paced world, this quote can be applied to many areas of life, including health, relationships, work, and personal development. In terms of health, it could mean not waiting until you’re severely ill to start taking care of your body, and not stopping your medication or treatment as soon as you start feeling better, but completing the full course.
In relationships, it could mean addressing issues and conflicts as they arise, rather than letting them fester and grow worse. But it also means not rushing to declare a conflict resolved without fully understanding and addressing the underlying issues.
In work or personal development, it could mean not putting off tasks or challenges until they become overwhelming, and not declaring a task completed or a goal achieved without making sure you’ve done a thorough, quality job. It’s a reminder to be diligent, thorough, and patient in all endeavours, and to value long-term success over short-term gains or appearances.