Where dost thou careless lie, Buried in ease and sloth? Knowledge that sleeps, doth die; And this security, It is the common moth, That eats on wits and arts, and oft destroys them both.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Resting in comfort without using knowledge causes it to decay; negligence destroys wit and art.
- In plain terms
- If you sleep on your knowledge, you will lose it; laziness ruins talent.
- What can you take from it?
- Use your knowledge or lose it.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Are you resting too much?
- How do you keep skills sharp?
Another view
Rest is sometimes necessary for recovery and insight.
More from Ben Jonson
I now think, Love is rather deaf, than blind, For else it could not be, That she, Whom I adore so much, should so slight me, And cast my love behind.
Permalink to quote #37 Rhyme, the rack of finest wits, That expresseth but by fits, True conceit, Spoiling senses of their treasure, Cozening judgement with a measure, But false weig…
Permalink to quote #39 Sweet Swan of Avon!
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