"Joy, temperance, and repose, slam the door on the doctor's nose"

This quote by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is a funny way of stating that if one has pleasure, temperance, and repose, they will be healthy and not need to see a medical professional. Pleasure is a feeling of joy and satisfaction, temperance is small amounts and self-control, and repose is rest and relaxation. By having these 3 things, one can stay healthy and avoid the requirement for medical attention. The phrase "knocked the door on the medical professional's nose" is an amusing way of stating that the physician will not be required. This quote is a tip to take care of oneself and to discover pleasure, temperance, and repose in life in order to stay healthy and avoid the requirement for medical attention.