More company increases happiness, but does not lighten or diminish misery.
Thomas TraherneRead
The soul is made for action, and cannot rest till it be employed. Idleness is its rust. Unless it will up and think and taste and see, all is in vain.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The soul thrives on activity and engagement; it deteriorates in idleness.
This quote emphasizes the vital role of action for the soul's well-being and development. Thomas Traherne suggests that a soul that remains idle will become stagnant and lose its vibrancy, similar to how rust forms on neglected metal. To live fully, one must engage in thought and experience, as passivity leads to a meaningless existence.
Themes
SoulActionIdlenessEngagementExperience
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can inspire employees during a motivational speech emphasizing productivity.
More from Thomas Traherne
All quotes βWe do not ignore maturity. Maturity consists in not losing the past while fully living in the present with a prudent awareness of the possibilities of the future.
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Happiness was not made to be boasted, but enjoyed. Therefore tho others count me miserable, I will not believe them if I know and feel myself to be happy; nor fear them.
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To love one person with a private love is poor and miserable: to love all is glorious.
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You never know yourself till you know more than your body.
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Certainly Adam in Paradise had not more sweet and curious apprehensions of the world, than I when I was a child.
Thomas TraherneRead
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