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Clifford, except for Phoebe's more active instigation…

“Clifford, except for Phoebe's more active instigation, would ordinarily have yielded to the torpor which had crept through all his modes of being, and which sluggishly counselled him to sit in his morning chair, till eventide.” quote by Nathaniel Hawthorne
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““Clifford, except for Phoebe's more active instigation, would ordinarily have yielded to the torpor which had crept through all his modes of being, and which sluggishly counselled him to sit in his morning chair, till eventide.””

Nathaniel Hawthorne

About This Quote

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

A character is stuck in lethargy despite external encouragement, illustrating inertia.

In simple terms: A person stays lazy even when nudged.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and address personal inertia.

Themes

laziness motivation inner conflict

Mood

melancholic thoughtful

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • morning routine
  • work productivity
  • personal growth

Key Concepts

psychology habit formation

Questions to Reflect On

  • What fuels your daily inertia?
  • How can you create lasting change?
A Different Perspective

External pushes may not overcome deep-seated torpor.

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