Chapter 75—Education Obtained at Expense of
Health
Some students put the whole being into their studies, and concen-
trate their minds upon the object of obtaining an education. They work
the brain, but allow the physical powers to remain inactive. Thus the
brain is overworked, and the muscles become weak because they are
not exercised. When these students are graduated, it is evident that
they have obtained their education at the expense of life. They have
studied day and night, year after year, keeping their minds continu-
ally upon the stretch, while they have failed to exercise their muscles
sufficiently....
Young ladies frequently give themselves up to study, to the neglect
of other branches of education even more essential for practical life
than the study of books. And after having obtained their education,
they are often invalids for life. They have neglected their health by
remaining too much indoors, deprived of the pure air of heaven and of
the God-given sunlight. These young women might have come from
school in health had they combined with their studies household labor
and exercise in the open air.
Health is a great treasure. It is the richest possession that mortals
can have. Wealth, honor, or learning is dearly purchased if it be at
the loss of the vigor of health. None of these attainments can secure
happiness if health is wanting.—
Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and
Students, 285-286
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