Add Quote by Antoine de Saint-Exupery
“I know a planet where there is a certain red-faced gentleman. He has never smelled a flower. He has never looked at a star. He has never loved any one. He has never done anything in his life but add up figures. And all day he says over and over, just like you: 'I am busy with matters of consequence!' And that makes him swell up with pride. But he is not a man - he is a mushroom!”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Little Prince, 1943
A man obsessed with work and numbers neglects wonder, love, and nature, becoming a hollow figure.
In simple terms: Work without wonder empties life.
Key Takeaway
Balance work with wonder.
Themes
work
materialism
spiritual emptiness
humor
Mood
cautionary
humorous
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- career focus
- financial planning
- personal relationships
- creative pursuits
Key Concepts
existential critique
social commentary
Questions to Reflect On
- What does “busy” mean to you?
- How can you integrate wonder into daily life?
A Different Perspective
May oversimplify complex motivations.
