"I like work; it fascinates me. I can sit and look at it for hours"
- Jerome K. Jerome
About this Quote
Jerome K. Jerome's quote, "I like work; it interests me. I can sit and look at it for hours," is a humorous and rather ironic reflection on the human relationship with work. The quote records a sense of irony and wit, characteristic of Jerome's composing design, particularly his prominent book, "Three Men in a Boat."
The first part, "I like work; it fascinates me," suggests an authentic appreciation or interest in the concept of work. Nevertheless, the fascination pointed out here is not about actively taking part in work but rather a passive, nearly reflective appreciation for it. The statement indicates an awareness of the value or complexity of work, as if the speaker acknowledges the value in labor and performance, yet chooses to appreciate it from a distance.
The latter part of the quote, "I can sit and look at it for hours," presents a layer of paradox and humor. Instead of engaging with or taking part in work, the speaker picks to observe it. This passive stance functions as a gentle mockery of those who value operate in theory but fail to partake in it actively. It's a lively jab at procrastination, highlighting the propensity to postpone jobs while pretending to be taken in by their significance.
In general, Jerome's quote reflects a universal belief about the nature of work-- its ability to both attract and push back. For lots of, the idea of work and productivity is appealing intellectually or ideologically, however the real act of working might not be as interesting. The quote resonates with anyone who's been tempted to linger at the edge of action, caught in a paradox where the contemplation of work feels more gratifying than the work itself.
Jerome uses humor to underscore this typical human propensity, welcoming readers to acknowledge their own procrastination practices. There's a sense of sociability, as if Jerome is acknowledging the shared struggle with inspiration and the frequently amusing contradictions in human habits relating to work and effort.
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