The proverb "Life is short, Art is long", turns out not to be (originally) about the enduring nature of beautiful works that last far beyond the span of their creator. Rather, it's a statement by the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates aimed at students of medicine. It tells them that learning the principles of healing ("the Art") will take a long time, and that applying them is even tougher. In a more complete and literal translation: "Life is short, and Art long; the crisis fleeting; experience perilous, and decision difficult. The physician must not only be prepared to do what is right himself, but also to make the patient, the attendants, and externals cooperate."

(cf Ars longa, vita brevis for "Life is short, and art long, opportunity fleeting, experimentations perilous, and judgment difficult.") - ^z - 2019-06-15