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When evening has come, I return to my house and go into my…

“When evening has come, I return to my house and go into my study. At the door I take off my clothes of the day, covered with mud and mire, and I put on my regal and courtly garments; and decently reclothed, I enter the ancient courts of ancient men, where, received by them lovingly, I feed on the…” quote by Niccolò Machiavelli
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““When evening has come, I return to my house and go into my study. At the door I take off my clothes of the day, covered with mud and mire, and I put on my regal and courtly garments; and decently reclothed, I enter the ancient courts of ancient men, where, received by them lovingly, I feed on the food that alone is mine and that I was born for. There I am not ashamed to speak with them and to ask them the reason for their actions; and they in their humanity reply to me. And for the space of four hours I feel no boredom, I forget every pain, I do not fear poverty, death does not frighten me. I deliver myself entirely to them.””

Niccolò Machiavelli

About This Quote

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

Retreating to study offers intellectual refuge, alleviating worldly anxieties and providing timeless wisdom.

In simple terms: Study offers peace from life’s troubles.

Key Takeaway

Seek knowledge for inner calm.

Themes

knowledge solace intellectual refuge

Mood

contemplative calm

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • academic study
  • personal crises
  • spiritual practice

Key Concepts

humanism self‑reflection

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does study relieve your stress?
  • What personal “ancient courts” do you visit?
A Different Perspective

Not everyone can access such a sanctuary.

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