"Idleness among children, as among men, is the root of all evil, and leads to no other evil more certain than ill temper"

Hannah More asserts that inactivity, both in children and adults, is the fundamental cause of various negative behaviors and outcomes. She places particular emphasis on the development of ill temper, suggesting that when children, like adults, are left without constructive engagement, they not only miss opportunities for growth and learning, but also become more susceptible to negative moods and tempers. The lack of occupation or purposeful activity leaves room for restlessness, irritation, and dissatisfaction to take root.

Children have natural energies and curiosities that, when not given a suitable outlet, can fester into boredom and frustration. This internal discomfort often manifests outwardly as irritability or misbehavior. The roots of ill temper, according to More, are not only psychological but also moral; idleness is portrayed as the initial lapse that can spiral into greater vices. Without meaningful or productive work, the mind tends to dwell on petty grievances, comparisons, or minor slights, which further feeds a sour mood and the tendency to lash out at others.

Additionally, the statement holds a deeper societal implication: communities and families benefit when young people are encouraged to undertake tasks, challenges, or responsibilities that structure their time and stimulate their minds. Idleness, on the other hand, fosters not just ill temper, but the entropy of character that can result in dishonesty, rebellion, or apathy. More recognizes that an unhappy child, trapped by boredom and lacking direction, may become disruptive or unkind, spreading negativity among peers and eroding social harmony.

On a broader level, More’s observation serves as a call to action for adults: to guide, educate, and engage the younger generation, not merely out of concern for productivity, but for the cultivation of virtue, happiness, and social cohesion. Regular, meaningful activity is presented as an antidote to the emotional and moral risks that idleness generates.