Civilized Quote by Jean Giono
“All civilized people see the day beginning at dawn or a little after or a long time after or whatever time their work begins; this they lengthen according to their work, during what they call 'all day long'; and end it when they close their eyes. It is they who say the days are long. On the contrary, the days are round.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Le Grand Trianon by Jean Giono, 1935
People perceive the length of a day based on their work schedule, stretching or shrinking time subjectively, while time itself is continuous and unchanging.
In simple terms: Work defines how we feel time passes.
Key Takeaway
Recognize time’s constancy beyond tasks.
Themes
perception
time
work
subjectivity
Mood
reflective
contemplative
Type
philosophical
observational
When to use this quote
- daily routine
- project planning
- travel
- remote work
Key Concepts
relativism
psychology
temporal experience
Questions to Reflect On
- How does your schedule shape your sense of time?
- Can you detach from work to feel the day’s natural flow?
A Different Perspective
Subjective perception can cause stress or mismanagement.
![“That country [Carthage] was rapidly sinking into the state of barbarism from whence it had been raised by the Phoenician colonies and Roman laws; and every step of intestine discord was marked by some deplorable victory of savage man over civilized society.” quote by Edward Gibbon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/70c/edward-gibbon-710_barbarism_that-country-carthage-was-rapidly-sinkin_393.jpg)
