I asked her to look at me and after a few moments - (pause) - after a few moments she did, but the eyes just slits, because of the glare I bent over her to get them in the shadow and they opened. (Pause. Low) Let me in.
Samuel BeckettRead
We wait. We are bored. (He throws up his hand.) No, don't protest, we are bored to death, there's no denying it. Good. A diversion comes along and what do we do? We let it go to waste. Come, let's get to work! (He advances towards the heap, stops in his stride.) In an instant all will vanish and we'll be alone more, in the midst of nothingness!
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the human experience of boredom and the fleeting nature of distractions.
Samuel Beckett's quote delves into the existential state of boredom that individuals often face. It suggests that people frequently await something engaging to alleviate their dullness, yet when such opportunities arise, they tend not to seize them. Beckett warns of the futility of inaction, emphasizing that these moments are transient, and if neglected, one may find themselves confronted with solitude and emptiness once again.
Themes
BoredomExistentialismDistractionActionMeaninglessness
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a discussion about the importance of pursuing passions instead of succumbing to idleness.
More from Samuel Beckett
All quotes →Nothing happens. Nobody comes, nobody goes. It's awful.
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I shall state silences more competently than ever a better man spangled the butterflies of vertigo.
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And what I have, what I am, is enough, was always enough for me, and as far as my dear little sweet little future is concerned I have no qualms, I have a good time coming.
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I love order. It's my dream. A world where all would be silent and still, and each thing in its last place, under the last dust.
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We lose our hair, our teeth! Our bloom, our ideals.
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