"Only in laziness can one achieve a state of contemplation which is a balancing of values, a weighing of oneself against the world and the world against itself. A busy man cannot find time for such balancing. We do not think a lazy man can commit murders, not great thefts, nor lead a mob. He would be more likely to think about it and laugh. And a nation of lazy contemplative men would be incapable of fighting a war unless their very laziness were attacked. Wars are the activities of busy-ness."

"It is interesting and probably not at all important to note that when a human state is attempting collectivization, one of the first steps is a frantic call by the leaders for an increased birth rate – replacement parts in a shoddy and mediocre machine."

– John Steinbeck & Ed Ricketts, The Log from the Sea of Cortez

Comments

[Aydin]

I have had a copy of that book for several years now & still haven't had a chance to read it. I have been too busy.

[Snail]

Oh, Aydin, you must find time! It's a wonderful book.