Despite centuries of progress, technological advancements, and vast improvements in our quality of life, human beings seem to be caught in an endless loop of struggling with the same fundamental issues. We might have faster communication, better medical knowledge, and more access to health and wellness information than ever before, but at the core, we are still grappling with the same concerns that occupied the minds of the ancient Greeks and Romans.
Take, for instance, the age-old problem of balancing health and work. In his writings, the Roman physician Galen (129–216 AD) lamented the habits of his patient, Premigenes, a philosopher so consumed by his work that he barely left his writing desk. As a result, his health deteriorated, prompting Galen to advise more physical activity and exposure to sunlight. Over 2,000 years later, modern professionals still face the same dilemma: long hours at a desk, sedentary lifestyles, and the struggle to incorporate physical well-being into daily routines.
Even in antiquity, people were aware of the cost of busyness on health. The writer Lucian of Samosata, in the 2nd century AD, described how workers’ relentless schedules led to exhaustion, poor diet, and chronic illness. His descriptions could just as easily apply to today’s corporate environments, where burnout, sleep deprivation, and stress-related illnesses are common. Galen himself recognized that free time—or the lack thereof—was a significant determinant of health. Some, like enslaved individuals, had no control over their time, but others willingly chose ambition over well-being, leading to predictable health consequences.
What’s even more fascinating is that ancient solutions mirror many of the recommendations we still hear today. Galen promoted daily movement and exercise, even suggesting ball games as an accessible way to stay fit. The Athenian Ischomachus incorporated fitness into his daily routine by running or walking during his commute—something that modern wellness experts still recommend. Yet, despite knowing what works, we continue to struggle with execution.
So, with all the advancements we’ve made, why haven’t we managed to solve these issues? If anything, our distractions and responsibilities have multiplied. Technology was supposed to make life easier, yet many of us feel busier than ever. The conveniences of modern life have eliminated the physical activity that was once built into daily survival, making staying healthy a conscious effort rather than a natural part of existence.
Philosophers like Aristotle argued that maintaining health is a personal responsibility. And while personal choice plays a role, the systems we live in also contribute. The challenge of making time for health isn’t new, but perhaps what has changed is the sheer scale of the barriers—digital distractions, work cultures that glorify overworking, and a society that prioritizes productivity over well-being.
If the ancients, with their limited technology and resources, recognized the importance of integrating well-being into daily life, why do we, with every advantage at our disposal, continue to struggle? Are we making things more complicated than they need to be? Or is it simply human nature to neglect self-care until crisis forces our attention?
The fact that these same conversations have persisted for millennia suggests that the struggle to balance health and daily life is not a problem to be solved once and for all but an ongoing challenge requiring continuous awareness and effort. So, how do we break the cycle? Perhaps by looking back at history, we can find not just inspiration but practical wisdom for moving forward.
Source: How Did Busy Ancient Greeks and Romans Keep Fit and Healthy?
Lifelong Learner 