At length weariness succeeds to labor, and the mind lies…
“At length weariness succeeds to labor, and the mind lies at ease in the contemplation of her own attainments without any desire of new conquests or excursions. This is the age of recollection and narrative; the opinions are settled, and the avenues of apprehension shut against any new intelligence; the days that are to follow must pass in the inculcation of precepts already collected, and assertion of tenets already received; nothing is henceforward so odious as opposition, so insolent as doubt, or so dangerous as novelty.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
When fatigue follows effort, the mind prefers reflecting on past achievements over seeking new challenges, leading to a cultural stagnation that resists doubt and novelty.
In simple terms: Complacent reflection over innovation.
Key Takeaway
Stagnation breeds resistance to new ideas.
Themes
Complacency
Intellectual inertia
Resistance to change
Nostalgia
Conformity
Mood
Reflective
Cautious
Nostalgic
Type
Philosophical
Cautionary
Observational
When to use this quote
- Academic curricula relying on established doctrines
- Organizations prioritizing legacy over R&D
- Individuals avoiding new skills
- Societies emphasizing tradition over progress
Key Concepts
Self-satisfaction
Cognitive bias
Cultural conservatism
Practical Applications
- Reevaluating curricula to include critical thinking
- Encouraging innovation through safe experimentation
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance respect for tradition with openness to new ideas?
- What mechanisms can prevent complacency in institutions?
A Different Perspective
Some argue that reflection on past successes can provide a stable foundation for future breakthroughs, suggesting that not all novelty is inherently dangerous.