Skip to content

Now the code of life of the High Middle Ages said…

“Now the code of life of the High Middle Ages said something entirely opposite to this: that it was precisely lack of leisure, an inability to be at leisure, that went together with idleness; that the restlessness of work-for-work's sake arose from nothing other than idleness. There is a curious…” quote by Josef Pieper
Download Open image
“Now the code of life of the High Middle Ages said something entirely opposite to this: that it was precisely lack of leisure, an inability to be at leisure, that went together with idleness; that the restlessness of work-for-work's sake arose from nothing other than idleness. There is a curious connection in the fact that the restlessness of a self-destructive work-fanatacism should take its rise from the absence of a will to accomplish something.”

Josef Pieper

About This Quote

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

Leisure is essential for a fulfilling life; without it, people become idle yet restless, chasing work for its own sake.

In simple terms: Leisure prevents idle restlessness.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate true leisure.

Themes

leisure work idleness restlessness

Mood

reflective thoughtful

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • personal development
  • work-life balance
  • creative pursuits
  • mental health
  • spiritual practice

Key Concepts

philosophy ethics human nature

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does true leisure differ from mere idleness?
  • Can society value leisure without fostering laziness?
A Different Perspective

Leisure alone may not solve systemic economic pressures.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Josef Pieper

Explore all 60 Josef Pieper quotes

More Absence quotes

Browse all 2,057 Absence quotes