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About this quote

What does it mean?
Sleep mimics death, but being awake drains life force more profoundly over time.
In plain terms
We call sleep death, but staying awake actually wears out our life spirits.
What can you take from it?
Rest is essential because constant activity depletes vitality.

Where it applies

  • health advice
  • burnout prevention
  • rest routines

Putting it to work

  • prioritize sleep
  • schedule breaks
  • reduce stress

Questions to consider

  • How does rest affect your sense of being alive?
  • What drains your spirit most?

Another view

The metaphor exaggerates the harm of being awake.

More from Sir Thomas Browne

  1. I am in no way facetious, nor disposed for the mirth and galliardize of company, yet in one dream I can compose a whole Comedy, behold the action, apprehend th…

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  2. Aristotle whilst he labours to refute the Idea's of Plato, falls upon one himself: for his summum bonum, is a Chimera, and there is no such thing as his Felici…

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  3. There is surely a piece of Divinity within us, something that was before the Elements, and owes no homage unto the Sun.

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