Skip to content

Boredom Quote by Eric Maisel

“We see how boredom arises as a special, terrible problem for smart people. A smart person has a lively brain; that brain wants to work; it is primed to think; and if you give it nothing to do, it will do nothing for as long as it can bear to do nothing, but it will not be happy. It will be bored…” quote by Eric Maisel
Download Open image
““We see how boredom arises as a special, terrible problem for smart people. A smart person has a lively brain; that brain wants to work; it is primed to think; and if you give it nothing to do, it will do nothing for as long as it can bear to do nothing, but it will not be happy. It will be bored and, worse, begin to doubt the meaningfulness of life.””

Eric Maisel

About This Quote

Source Book: The Power of Boredom, 2015

Intelligent minds suffer boredom when under-stimulated, leading to existential doubt and unhappiness.

In simple terms: Smart people get bored without mental challenges.

Key Takeaway

Seek stimulating activities to avoid boredom.

Themes

boredom intelligence meaninglessness

Mood

thoughtful motivational

Type

self-help psychological

When to use this quote

  • career development
  • creative projects
  • learning pursuits
  • mental wellness

Key Concepts

cognitive engagement purpose mental health

Questions to Reflect On

  • What activities keep your mind engaged?
  • How do you turn boredom into creativity?
A Different Perspective

Boredom can trigger deeper existential questions.

3.8 out of 5 (10 ratings)

More by Eric Maisel

Explore all 141 Eric Maisel quotes

More Boredom quotes

Browse all 1,217 Boredom quotes