An old Anglo-American proverb, propably first appeared in written form in James Howell's collection "Paroimiografia. Proverbs, or, Old Sayed Savves & Adages in English (or the Saxon Toung) Italian, French and Spanish wereunto the British, for their great Antiquity, and weight are added." (1659). The point of the saying, in my opinion, is that if your work is the only thing you live for, your life will become flat and soon you won't be interested in anything except the work. You become a workaholic. To prevent yourself degrading into a "dull boy", you should take time to enjoy your life. This is of utmost importance.