Yes. You are right. This is a very old question and everyone, probably had heard it 7-8 times. But this time was the first time that i really wanted to give it a thought. (I am considering rich = really rich. There is not point in being 'moderately' rich and paralyzed. You are stuck.)
So, rich & sick (or) poor & healthy?
Being rich feels good. Always. You would be more happier if you had 100 more bucks in your wallet. Even if you are paralyzed from your waist down, you can get things done right from your bed. Business, fun, entertainment - all at your doorstep. You can even build your own virtual world, where you can walk around. But the more important thing is that, people atleast pretend that they care for you. You get flowers from all over the world. People respect you. Your illness is news to them. The care and the love might even eat away your illness.
But.
There is existing. And then there is living. You might not be as rich as 70% of the people in the world. But if you are fit: you know you can go to the everest, some day; you know you can bungee jump off a cliff; you know you can out run a mad dog that chases you; you know you can still get to your cubicle on the 12th floor, when the lift is out of order; you know you can play with your kids, you can be their hero; you know you wont make news when you die, but you also know that day is far far away.
Fitness and happiness put together can outweigh money. There is only one thing that is better than being fit and happy. Being fit,happy and rich.
I would rather be poor and healthy than rich and paralyzed. :)
