Common sense (which, in truth, is very uncommon) is the best sense I know of: abide by it; it will counsel you best.
Lord ChesterfieldRead
It is an undoubted truth, that the less one has to do, the less time one finds to do it in. One yawns, one procrastinates, one can do it when one will, and therefore one seldom does it at all.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Less work leads to less urgency, often resulting in procrastination.
The quote by Lord Chesterfield illustrates the paradox of leisure and productivity, suggesting that when individuals have less to occupy their time, they may ironically become less productive. The idea is that an abundance of free time can lead to procrastination, as people often lack the motivation to complete tasks that they believe can be done later.
Themes
ProcrastinationTime ManagementLeisureProductivity
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about productivity, one might say, 'Remember Chesterfield's words about how having too much time can lead to procrastination.'
More from Lord Chesterfield
All quotes →Never seem wiser, nor more learned, than the people you are with. Wear your learning, like your watch, in a private pocket: and do not merely pull it out and strike it; merely to show that you have one.
Lord ChesterfieldRead
If you can once engage people's pride, love, pity, ambition on your side, you need not fear what their reason can do against you.
Lord ChesterfieldRead
Merit and knowledge will not gain hearts, though they will secure them when gained.
Lord ChesterfieldRead
Firmness of purpose is one of the best instruments of success.
Lord ChesterfieldRead
Wit is so shining a quality that everybody admires it; most people aim at it, all people fear it, and few love it unless in themselves. A man must have a good share of wit himself to endure a great share of it in another.
Lord ChesterfieldRead
Similar quotes
I love the saliheen (pious people) even though I’m not one of them, and I hate the taliheen (evil people) even though I (may be) worse than them.
Abdullah Ibn MubarakRead
Doing good to others is not a duty. It is a joy, for it increases your own health and happiness.
ZoroasterRead
What else is there for me to conquer? Hopefully my ego. How will I know when I've succeeded? When I stop caring what anyone thinks.
Madonna CicconeRead
Envy is the tax which all distinction must pay.
Ralph Waldo EmersonRead
We shouldn't be looking for heroes, we should be looking for good ideas.
Noam ChomskyRead
May you listen to the voice within the beat even when you are tired. When you feel yourself breaking down, may you break open instead. May every experience in life be a door that opens your heart, expands your understanding and leads you to freedom.
Elizabeth LesserRead