I mused for a few moments on the question of which was worse, to lead a life so boring that you are easily enchanted or a life so full of stimulus that you are easily bored. But then it occurred to me that musing is a pointless waste of anyone's time, and instead I went off to see if I could find a Baby Ruth candy bar, a far more profitable exercise.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Bryson finds philosophical contemplation about life's quality less worthwhile than immediate, simple pleasures like finding candy.
- In plain terms
- Thinking about big life choices is useless; getting a candy bar is better.
- What can you take from it?
- Seek immediate simple pleasures over abstract rumination.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What simple pleasure do you seek when stuck?
- Is thinking ever truly pointless?
Another view
Ignoring deep questions might prevent necessary life changes.
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