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Time, which shows so vacant, indivisible, and divine in…

“Time, which shows so vacant, indivisible, and divine in its coming, is slit and peddled into trifles and tatters. A door is to bepainted, a lock to be repaired. I want wood, or oil, or meal, or salt; the house smokes, or I have a headache; then the tax; and an affair to be transacted with a man…” quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson
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“Time, which shows so vacant, indivisible, and divine in its coming, is slit and peddled into trifles and tatters. A door is to bepainted, a lock to be repaired. I want wood, or oil, or meal, or salt; the house smokes, or I have a headache; then the tax; and an affair to be transacted with a man without heart or brains; and the stinging recollection of an injurious or very awkward word,--these eat up the hours.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

About This Quote

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

Time is wasted on trivialities; neglect of deeper needs leads to a fragmented life.

In simple terms: Time wasted on trifles.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize meaningful pursuits.

Themes

time productivity meaning

Mood

reflective urgent

Type

philosophical practical

When to use this quote

  • time management
  • life coaching
  • creative work
  • spiritual practice

Key Concepts

existentialism philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you protect time for deeper work?
  • What habits reduce trivial consumption?
A Different Perspective

Modern distractions may be unavoidable.

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