It is indolence... Indolence and love of ease; a want of…
“It is indolence... Indolence and love of ease; a want of all laudable ambition, of taste for good company, or of inclination to take the trouble of being agreeable, which make men clergymen. A clergyman has nothing to do but be slovenly and selfish; read the newspaper, watch the weather, and quarrel with his wife. His curate does all the work and the business of his own life is to dine.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Austen critiques idle, self‑indulgent clergy who avoid ambition and responsibility, preferring comfort over duty.
In simple terms: Lazy leaders neglect their duties.
Key Takeaway
Encourage purpose and active contribution.
Themes
work ethic
responsibility
faith
society
Mood
critical
observational
Type
social
literary
When to use this quote
- community service
- career development
- personal growth
Key Concepts
moral duty
personal ambition
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- What drives personal ambition?
- How can institutions foster responsibility?
A Different Perspective
Not all clergy are indifferent; context matters.