Famous quote by Cyril Connolly

"Idleness is only a coarse name for my infinite capacity for living in the present"

About this Quote

In Cyril Connolly's quote, "Idleness is only a coarse name for my infinite capacity for residing in today", he challenges the standard perception of idleness, reframing it as a profound engagement with the present minute. The term "idleness" generally brings negative undertones, recommending laziness or a lack of productivity. Connolly suggests, nevertheless, that what may be dismissed as idleness is, in reality, an artful existence, stressing the ability to completely occupy today.

By calling idleness a "coarse name", Connolly indicates that it is a simplified, perhaps unjust term for what he sees as a sophisticated ability to appreciate life's moments. Using the word "infinite" recommends an unbounded and abundant capability to value the "now", an attribute that is seldom valued in a productivity-driven world. Connolly's perspective raises the act of being present to a type of deep living, where each moment is skilled fully and vividly, without interruption by previous regrets or future anxieties.

This analysis likewise challenges social ideas of success and achievement, which are usually determined by one's capability to plan, act, and produce. Connolly welcomes us to consider that real fulfillment might depend on valuing the simplicity and complexity of the instant experience. This perspective resonates with components of mindfulness and existence discovered in different philosophical and spiritual traditions.

Additionally, Connolly's declaration can be seen as a critique of modernity's nonstop motion, where constant activity is frequently equated with purpose and worth. In highlighting presence over continuous doing, he provokes us to reassess our worths: Could the pursuit of "doing" be sidetracking from the authentic experience of "being"?

In summary, Connolly's reflection on idleness and existence motivates a re-evaluation of how we view time, worth, and satisfaction. His words invite self-questioning on whether our constant chase for accomplishment is at the expense of the immediate richness of life that unrestrained awareness of the present can afford.

About the Author

England Flag This quote is written / told by Cyril Connolly between September 10, 1903 and November 26, 1974. He/she was a famous Journalist from England. The author also have 44 other quotes.
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