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?

He does not seem to me to be a free man who does not sometimes do nothing.

He does not seem to me to be a free man who does not sometimes do nothing.

Much may be done in those little shreds and patches of time,
which every day produces, and which most read more

Much may be done in those little shreds and patches of time,
which every day produces, and which most men throw away, but
which nevertheless will make at the end of it no small deduction
for the life of man.

Idleness is an inlet to disorder, and makes way for licentiousness. People who have nothing to do are quickly tired read more

Idleness is an inlet to disorder, and makes way for licentiousness. People who have nothing to do are quickly tired of their own company.

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 don't think necessity is the mother of invention -- invention . . . arises directly from idleness, possibly also read more

I don't think necessity is the mother of invention -- invention . . . arises directly from idleness, possibly also from laziness. To save oneself trouble.

I live an idle burden to the ground.

I live an idle burden to the ground.

Idleness is many gathered miseries in one name.

Idleness is many gathered miseries in one name.

In the diligence of his idleness.
[Lat., Diligenter per vacuitatem suam.]

In the diligence of his idleness.
[Lat., Diligenter per vacuitatem suam.]