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About this quote

What does it mean?
Doing nothing feels good at first but leads to bad results later.
In plain terms
Idleness feels good now but causes trouble later.
What can you take from it?
Avoid idleness to prevent negative consequences.

Where it applies

  • procrastinating
  • taking breaks
  • managing time

Putting it to work

  • stay active
  • balance rest and work

Questions to consider

  • When do you procrastinate?
  • Is idleness ever good?

Another view

Rest is sometimes necessary for health.

More from John Quincy Adams

  1. Courage and perseverance have a magical talisman, before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish into air.

    Permalink to quote #18
  2. Posterity: you will never know how much it has cost my generation to preserve your freedom. I hope you will make good use of it.

    Permalink to quote #20
  3. Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost.

    Permalink to quote #17

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