“It is better to be ill and cared for than healthy and neglected”
— Mikhail Gorbachev
Simplified Meaning:
Being sick but having someone look after you is preferable to being healthy but ignored. Imagine a child who has the flu but has their parents giving them medicine, food, and love. That child feels supported and secure. Now think about a child who is perfectly healthy but whose parents are too busy or uninterested to spend time with them. That child might feel lonely and unloved, even though they aren't physically sick. The idea here is that human beings need caring and attention to feel good, just as much as they need good physical health. Being cared for by others can make someone feel emotionally strong and happy. On the other hand, if people don’t give you attention and love, you might feel sad and isolated, no matter how healthy you are. In real life, this means nurturing relationships and showing kindness to others is very important. For example, if you have a friend who isn't feeling well, spending time with them or offering your help can make a big difference in their life. It reminds us that emotional support is just as important as physical health and can sometimes mean even more for a person’s happiness and well-being.