The idea of any social obligation [...] just the idea of it embarasses my thoughts for a day, and sometimes it's since the day before that I worry, and don't sleep well, and the real affair, when it happens, is absolutely insignificant and justifies nothing; and the case repeats itself and I never learn to learn.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Worrying about social obligations is worse than the obligations themselves.
- In plain terms
- Thinking about duties stresses me out more than doing them does.
- What can you take from it?
- Don't let anticipation of obligations ruin your peace.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What do you worry about before acting?
- Is the worry worse than the event?
Another view
Some obligations genuinely require significant stress to handle.
More from Fernando Pessoa
Yes, talking to people makes me sleepy.
Permalink to quote #49 The beauty of a naked body is felt only by the dressed races.
Permalink to quote #51 Solitude desolates me; company oppresses me.
Permalink to quote #48
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