The condition of perfection is idleness: the aim of perfection is youth.

The condition of perfection is idleness: the aim of perfection is youth.

An idler is a watch that wants both hands;
As useless if it goes as when it stands.

An idler is a watch that wants both hands;
As useless if it goes as when it stands.

Thus idly busy rolls their world away.

Thus idly busy rolls their world away.

Idleness, sorrow, a friend, and a foe.

Idleness, sorrow, a friend, and a foe.

What heart can think, or tongue express,
The harm that groweth of idleness?

What heart can think, or tongue express,
The harm that groweth of idleness?

Idleness and pride tax with a heavier hand than kings and governments.

Idleness and pride tax with a heavier hand than kings and governments.

I was raised to feel that doing nothing was a sin. I had to
learn to do nothing.

I was raised to feel that doing nothing was a sin. I had to
learn to do nothing.

A man who has no office to go to--I don't care who he is--is a
trial of which you read more

A man who has no office to go to--I don't care who he is--is a
trial of which you can have no conception.

Indolence is the sleep of the mind.
[Fr., L'indolence est le sommeil des esprits.]

Indolence is the sleep of the mind.
[Fr., L'indolence est le sommeil des esprits.]