People habituate themselves to let things pass through…
“People habituate themselves to let things pass through their minds, as one may speak, rather than to think of them. Thus by use they become satisfied merely with seeing what is said, without going any further. Review and attention, and even forming a judgment, becomes fatigue; and to lay anything before them that requires it, is putting them quite out of their way.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
People often let thoughts drift without deep engagement, leading to superficial understanding and mental fatigue.
In simple terms: Thinking shallowly causes fatigue.
Key Takeaway
Practice mindful, focused attention.
Themes
attention
mindfulness
critical thinking
mental fatigue
habit
Mood
contemplative
serious
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- reading complex texts
- solving problems
- meditation
- decision making
Key Concepts
philosophy
psychology
cognitive science
Questions to Reflect On
- What habits help deepen attention?
- When does reflection become counterproductive?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on focus can cause burnout; balance needed.