Children Quote by J.G. Ballard
““Because we're not reasonable and rational creatures. Far from it. We resort to reason when it suits us. For most people life is comfortable today, and we have the spare time to be unreasonable if we choose to be. We're like bored children. We've been on holiday for too long, and we've been given too many presents. Anyone who's had children knows that the danger is boredom. Boredom, and a secret pleasure in one's own malice.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Atrocity Exhibition, J.G. Ballard, 1970
People often abandon reason for comfort, leading to boredom and a hidden enjoyment of cruelty.
In simple terms: Comfort breeds boredom and hidden malice.
Key Takeaway
Seek meaningful engagement over idle comfort.
Themes
boredom
comfort
irrationality
malice
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
literary
psychological
When to use this quote
- workplace monotony
- creative blocks
- parenting challenges
- social media overuse
Key Concepts
existential boredom
psychology
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you resist the lure of mindless comfort?
- What activities restore your sense of purpose?
A Different Perspective
Boredom can be mitigated by purposeful activity.
