Article October 12, 1899 Issue

One of my prescriptions for longevity may startle you...

Oliver Wendell Holmes

One of my prescriptions for longevity may startle you somewhat. It is this: Become the subject of a mortal disease. Let half a dozen doctors thump you and knead you and test you in every possible way, and render their verdict that you have an internal complaint; they don't know exactly what it is, but it will certainly kill you by-and-by. Then bid farewell to the world and shut yourself up for an invalid. If you are threescore years old when you begin this mode of life, you may very probably last twenty years, and there you are — an octogenarian.

Oliver Wendell Holmes,,

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Article
World's Fairs as Peace Producers
October 12, 1899
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit