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For my part I love sleepy fellows, and the more ignorant…

“For my part I love sleepy fellows, and the more ignorant the better. Damn your wide-awake and knowing chaps. As for sleepiness, itis one of the noblest qualities of humanity. There is something sociable about it, too. Think of those sensible & sociable millions of good fellows all taking a good…” quote by Herman Melville
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“For my part I love sleepy fellows, and the more ignorant the better. Damn your wide-awake and knowing chaps. As for sleepiness, itis one of the noblest qualities of humanity. There is something sociable about it, too. Think of those sensible & sociable millions of good fellows all taking a good long friendly snooze together, under the sod--no quarrels, no imaginary grievances, no envies, heart-burnings, & thinking how much better that other chap is off--none of this: but all equally free-&-easy, they sleep away & reel off their nine knots an hour, in perfect amity.”

Herman Melville

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The passage celebrates sleep as a noble, communal escape from the anxieties of consciousness.

In simple terms: Sleep is a shared, noble relief.

Key Takeaway

Value rest and community over constant vigilance.

Themes

sleep community humility humor

Mood

reflective humorous

Type

philosophical satirical

When to use this quote

  • workplace stress
  • education
  • healthcare
  • family gatherings
  • personal downtime

Key Concepts

human nature social critique philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do we fear wakefulness?
  • What benefits arise from shared rest?
A Different Perspective

Overindulgence in sleep can hinder productivity.

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