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The discovery of a toy duck in the soap dish, presumably the property of some former juvenile visitor, contributed not a little to this new and happier frame of mind. What with one thing and another, I hadn't played with toy ducks in my bath for years, and I found the novel experience most invigorating. For the benefit of those interested, I may mention that if you shove the thing under the surface with the sponge and then let it go, it shoots out of the water in a manner calculated to divert the most careworn. Ten minutes of this and I was enabled to return to the bedchamber much more the old merry Bertram.

P. G. Wodehouse#74

MoodHappinessPlayRelaxation

About this quote

What does it mean?
Finding a toy duck in the bath lifts the narrator's spirits and reminds him of simpler joys.
In plain terms
Playing with a rubber duck made the narrator feel happy and energetic.
What can you take from it?
Simple play can restore adult happiness.

Where it applies

  • taking a bath
  • feeling stressed
  • seeking comfort

Putting it to work

  • find simple toys
  • take time to play
  • reconnect with childhood

Questions to consider

  • What small thing lifted your mood recently?
  • How do you relieve stress?

Another view

Not everyone finds childish play invigorating.

More from P. G. Wodehouse

  1. In build and appearance, Tuppy somewhat resembles a bulldog, and his aspect now was that of one of these fine animals who has just been refused a slice of cake.

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  2. 'I don't want to seem always to be criticizing your methods of voice production, Jeeves,' I said, 'but I must inform you that that 'Well, sir' of yours is in m…

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  3. 'And, anyway, no matter how much you may behave like the deaf adder of Scripture which, as you are doubtless aware, the more one piped, the less it danced, or …

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