"If you wish at once to do nothing and be respectable nowadays, the best pretext is to be at work on some profound study"

This quote by Leslie Stephen suggests that in modern society, the very best way to be respected and to prevent doing nothing is to appear to be participated in a serious and meaningful job. This might be interpreted as a criticism of modern society, as it indicates that people are judged by their look and not by their actual actions. It might also be viewed as a call to action, encouraging individuals to use up significant tasks and to pursue more than simply respectability. Stephen's quote implies that respectability is insufficient, which individuals should make every effort to do something meaningful and rewarding. This could be analyzed as a call to pursue knowledge and to strive for excellence in whatever field one chooses. Ultimately, Stephen's quote encourages individuals to strive for more than simply respectability, and to pursue significant jobs that will bring them complete satisfaction and satisfaction.