---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: When sometimes I am reminded that the…"
description: "\"“When sometimes I am reminded that the mechanics and shopkeepers stay in their shops not only all the forenoon, but all the afternoon too, sitting with..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6e7/henry-david-thoreau-20_long-ago_when-sometimes-i-am-reminded-that-the-me_1104292.jpg"
---

#  When sometimes I am reminded that the mechanics and…

![“When sometimes I am reminded that the mechanics and shopkeepers stay in their shops not only all the forenoon, but all the afternoon too, sitting with crossed legs, so many of them--as if the legs were made to sit upon, and not to stand or walk upon--I think that they deserve some credit for not…” quote by Henry David Thoreau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6e7/henry-david-thoreau-20_long-ago_when-sometimes-i-am-reminded-that-the-me_1104292.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6e7/henry-david-thoreau-20_long-ago_when-sometimes-i-am-reminded-that-the-me_1104292.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6e7/henry-david-thoreau-20_long-ago_when-sometimes-i-am-reminded-that-the-me_1104292.jpg)

> ““When sometimes I am reminded that the mechanics and shopkeepers stay in their shops not only all the forenoon, but all the afternoon too, sitting with crossed legs, so many of them--as if the legs were made to sit upon, and not to stand or walk upon--I think that they deserve some credit for not having all committed suicide long ago.””

[Henry David Thoreau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-david-thoreau/)

## About This Quote

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

The quote highlights how mundane, sedentary work can be a coping mechanism that prevents despair and self-destruction.

**In simple terms:** Staying in one place can keep people from harming themselves.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the hidden value of routine.

Themes

routine mental health work survival

Mood

reflective melancholic

Type

observational philosophical

When to use this quote

- office work
- long shifts
- creative blocks
- burnout
- loneliness

Key Concepts

existentialism psychology social critique

Questions to Reflect On

- How does routine protect against despair?
- What are healthier alternatives to sedentary coping?

A Different Perspective

It may romanticize suffering and ignore systemic oppression.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Long ago](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/long-ago/) [Suicide](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/suicide/)

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