“Prevention is better than cure”: meaning, origin and examples
What it means
The phrase Prevention is better than cure means that it is easier and more effective to stop a problem from happening in the first place than to fix the problem after it has occurred.
Tone Advisory
Where it comes from
The phrase is attributed to the Dutch philosopher Desiderius Erasmus in the early 16th century. However, similar sentiments have been expressed in various cultures and languages throughout history.
Examples
- Regular exercise and a healthy diet exemplify the idea that prevention is better than cure.
- Vaccinations are a classic example where prevention is better than cure, as they help avoid diseases entirely.
Spotted a mistake in this article? Tell us