11 Legendary Perspectives on Your Body and Health

By James Mills, Associate Partner, Lighthouse International

The more you look into it, the human body is absolutely incredible. We are made up of 7 octillion atoms (yes, a real number with 27 zeros!!), we also have bones that are ounce-for-ounce stronger than steel and in just 30 minutes the human body produces enough energy to heat a gallon of water!

It's no wonder that many legends have been quoted on the incredible potential of the human body and the need to nurture our physical health. Here are 11 inspiring quotes from legends who have succeeded in sports, arts, academia and politics. Enjoy!!

“Take care of your body. It's the only place you have to live.”

- Jim Rohn (Entrepreneur, Author & Motivational Speaker)

“There are moments when the human body can overcome things you would never expect.”

- Andres Iniesta (Footballer)

“The human body and mind are tremendous forces that are continually amazing scientists and society. Therefore, we have no choice but to keep an open mind as to what the human being can achieve.”

- Evelyn Glennie (Percussionist)

“I continuously go further and further learning about my own limitations, my body limitation, psychological limitations. It's a way of life for me.”

- Ayrton Senna (Formula One Racing Driver)

“If a man achieves victory over this body, who in the world can exercise power over him? He who rules himself rules over the whole world.”

- Vinoba Bhave (Advocate of Nonviolence and Human Rights)

"We know a great deal more about the causes of physical disease than we do about the causes of physical health."

- M. Scott Peck (Psychiatrist and Author)

“I realised that if my thoughts immediately affect my body, I should be careful about what I think. Now if I get angry, I ask myself why I feel that way. If I can find the source of my anger, I can turn that negative energy into something positive.”

- Yoko Ono (Artist, Singer, Songwriter, and Peace Activist)

“Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity.”

- John F. Kennedy (Former President of the United States)

“Laughter is important, not only because it makes us happy, it also has actual health benefits. And that's because laughter completely engages the body and releases the mind. It connects us to others, and that in itself has a healing effect.”

- Marlo Thomas (Actress, Producer & Social Activist)

“Body love is more than acceptance of self or the acceptance of the body. Body love is about self-worth in general. It's more than our physical appearance.”

- Mary Lambert (Singer, Songwriter and Spoken Word Artist)

“Wellness is the complete integration of body, mind, and spirit - the realisation that everything we do, think, feel, and believe has an effect on our state of well-being.”

- Greg Anderson (Author)

There is so much that we take for granted when it comes to our bodies and our health. Reflecting on these quotes can help us appreciate not only the incredible nature of our bodies, but also the 2-way relationship between our thoughts, emotions and overall health. The more we appreciate our bodies and our physical health, the more likely it is we will look after them!