--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I like idling when I ought not to be…" description: "\"“I like idling when I ought not to be idling; not when it is the only thing I have to do.”\" — Jerome K. Jerome" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f6d/jerome-k-jerome-1155_idling_i-like-idling-when-i-ought-not-to-be-idl_2862703.png" --- # I like idling when I ought not to be idling; not when it… ![“I like idling when I ought not to be idling; not when it is the only thing I have to do.” quote by Jerome K. Jerome](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f6d/jerome-k-jerome-1155_idling_i-like-idling-when-i-ought-not-to-be-idl_2862703.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f6d/jerome-k-jerome-1155_idling_i-like-idling-when-i-ought-not-to-be-idl_2862703.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f6d/jerome-k-jerome-1155_idling_i-like-idling-when-i-ought-not-to-be-idl_2862703.png) > ““I like idling when I ought not to be idling; not when it is the only thing I have to do.”” [Jerome K. Jerome](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jerome-k-jerome/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Advocates embracing leisure despite obligations, emphasizing balance. **In simple terms:** Rest is okay even when duties call. Key Takeaway Balance work with purposeful rest. Themes leisure balance productivity Mood lighthearted thoughtful Type humorous philosophical When to use this quote - vacation planning - creative work - stress relief Key Concepts psychology time management Questions to Reflect On - When is idling beneficial? - How do you schedule downtime? A Different Perspective Too much idling can hinder progress. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Idling](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/idling/) [Idling Ought](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/idling-ought-2045332/) [Idling Thing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/idling-thing-2045338/) [Like Idling](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/like-idling-2045336/) [Ought Idling](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ought-idling-2045334/) ## Related quotes > [“I like idling when I ought not to be idling; not when it is the only thing I have to do. Thatis my pig-headed…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jerome-k-jerome/i-like-idling-when-i-ought-not-to-be-idling-not-when-it-is-the-only/) [Jerome K. Jerome](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jerome-k-jerome/) > [Idling has always been my strong point.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jerome-k-jerome/idling-has-always-been-my-strong-point/) [Jerome K. Jerome](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jerome-k-jerome/) > [“Idling has always been my strong point. I take no credit to myself in the matter-it is a gift.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jerome-k-jerome/idling-has-always-been-my-strong-point-i-take-no-credit-to-myself-in/) [Jerome K. Jerome](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jerome-k-jerome/) > [It is impossible to enjoy idling thoroughly unless one has plenty of work to do.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jerome-k-jerome/it-is-impossible-to-enjoy-idling-thoroughly-unless-one-has-plenty-of-2/) [Jerome K. Jerome](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jerome-k-jerome/) > [“It is impossible to enjoy idling thoroughly unless one has plenty of work to do. There is no fun in doing nothing when you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jerome-k-jerome/it-is-impossible-to-enjoy-idling-thoroughly-unless-one-has-plenty-of/) [Jerome K. Jerome](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jerome-k-jerome/) > [When you go to pick your kids up from school, cars are lined up idling for anywhere from five to 20 minutes. Starting a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laurie-david/when-you-go-to-pick-your-kids-up-from-school-cars-are-lined-up-idling/) [Laurie David](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laurie-david/) > [“Life was not to be sitting in hot amorphic leisure in my backyard idly writing or not-writing, as the spirit moved me. It was,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sylvia-plath/life-was-not-to-be-sitting-in-hot-amorphic-leisure-in-my-backyard/) [Sylvia Plath](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sylvia-plath/) > [As for the dispute about solitude and society, any comparison is impertinent. It is an idling down on the plane at the base of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henry-david-thoreau/as-for-the-dispute-about-solitude-and-society-any-comparison-is/) [Henry David Thoreau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-david-thoreau/) > [“It is an unfortunate reality for innate idlers that our modern world requires one to hold a job to maintain a sustainable existence. Idling,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-maarten-troost/it-is-an-unfortunate-reality-for-innate-idlers-that-our-modern-world/) [J. Maarten Troost](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-maarten-troost/) > [“Relaxing brings weakness, when done by a muscle; but brings strength, when done by a person.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mokokoma-mokhonoana/relaxing-brings-weakness-when-done-by-a-muscle-but-brings-strength/) [Mokokoma Mokhonoana](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mokokoma-mokhonoana/) > [Personally I regard idling as a virtue, but civilized society holds otherwise.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-maarten-troost/personally-i-regard-idling-as-a-virtue-but-civilized-society-holds/) [J. Maarten Troost](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-maarten-troost/) > [In idling, the motor's running, but you're letting your mind take in anything. Things pop into it. Those are the gifts of subterranean conscious.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mortimer-adler/in-idling-the-motor-s-running-but-you-re-letting-your-mind-take-in/) [Mortimer Adler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mortimer-adler/) > [Idling is not my strong suit.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cam-gigandet/idling-is-not-my-strong-suit/) [Cam Gigandet](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cam-gigandet/) > [I feel like Court Yard Hounds keeps us idling. I think Emily and I function better when we're continually making music and playing, and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martie-maguire/i-feel-like-court-yard-hounds-keeps-us-idling-i-think-emily-and-i/) [Martie Maguire](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martie-maguire/) > [“Alberta had always had many forms of idling. She frittered away her time with virtuosity.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cora-sandel/alberta-had-always-had-many-forms-of-idling-she-frittered-away-her/) [Cora Sandel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cora-sandel/) ## More by Jerome K. Jerome > [“George goes to sleep at a bank from ten to four each day, except Saturdays, when they wake him up and put him outside…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jerome-k-jerome/george-goes-to-sleep-at-a-bank-from-ten-to-four-each-day-except/) [Jerome K. Jerome](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jerome-k-jerome/) > [“He would use a bit of string this time, and at the critical moment, when the old fool was leaning over the chair at…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jerome-k-jerome/he-would-use-a-bit-of-string-this-time-and-at-the-critical-moment/) [Jerome K. Jerome](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jerome-k-jerome/) > [Some people are under the impression that all that is required to make a good fisherman is the ability to tell lies easily and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jerome-k-jerome/some-people-are-under-the-impression-that-all-that-is-required-to/) [Jerome K. Jerome](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jerome-k-jerome/) > [It is easy enough to say that poverty is no crime. No; if it were men wouldn't be ashamed of it. It is a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jerome-k-jerome/it-is-easy-enough-to-say-that-poverty-is-no-crime-no-if-it-were-men/) [Jerome K. Jerome](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jerome-k-jerome/) > [Love is woman's business,and in "business" we all lay aside our natural weaknesses.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jerome-k-jerome/love-is-woman-s-business-and-in-business-we-all-lay-aside-our-natural/) [Jerome K. Jerome](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jerome-k-jerome/) > [We are but the veriest, sorriest slaves of our stomach. Reach not after morality and righteousness, my friends; watch vigilantly your stomach, and diet…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jerome-k-jerome/we-are-but-the-veriest-sorriest-slaves-of-our-stomach-reach-not-after/) [Jerome K. Jerome](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jerome-k-jerome/) > [“There was no ground-floor — its ground-floor belonged to a house in the next court, and the front door opened direct upon a flight…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jerome-k-jerome/there-was-no-ground-floor-its-ground-floor-belonged-to-a-house-in-the/) [Jerome K. Jerome](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jerome-k-jerome/) > [“I can understand the ignorant masses loving to soak themselves in drink—oh, yes, it's very shocking that they should, of course—very shocking to us…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jerome-k-jerome/i-can-understand-the-ignorant-masses-loving-to-soak-themselves-in/) [Jerome K. Jerome](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jerome-k-jerome/) > [ They \[dogs\] never talk about themselves but listen to you while you talk about yourself, and keep up an appearance of being interested in… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jerome-k-jerome/they-dogs-never-talk-about-themselves-but-listen-to-you-while-you/) [Jerome K. Jerome](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jerome-k-jerome/) > [“And we sit there, by its margin, while the moon, who loves it too, stoops down to kiss it with a sister’s kiss, and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jerome-k-jerome/and-we-sit-there-by-its-margin-while-the-moon-who-loves-it-too-stoops/) [Jerome K. Jerome](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jerome-k-jerome/) > [“The only feeling that a closer intimacy has created in him for his wife is that of indulgent contempt. As there is no equality…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jerome-k-jerome/the-only-feeling-that-a-closer-intimacy-has-created-in-him-for-his/) [Jerome K. Jerome](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jerome-k-jerome/) > [Evil thought is a dangerous pet. It is safer to play with it from behind the iron bars of circumstance.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jerome-k-jerome/evil-thought-is-a-dangerous-pet-it-is-safer-to-play-with-it-from/) [Jerome K. Jerome](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jerome-k-jerome/) > [If you are foolish enough to be contented, don't show it, but grumble with the rest; and if you can do with a little,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jerome-k-jerome/if-you-are-foolish-enough-to-be-contented-don-t-show-it-but-grumble/) [Jerome K. Jerome](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jerome-k-jerome/) > [Life will always remain a gamble, with prizes sometimes for the imprudent, and blanks so often to the wise.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jerome-k-jerome/life-will-always-remain-a-gamble-with-prizes-sometimes-for-the/) [Jerome K. Jerome](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jerome-k-jerome/) > [“You can never rouse Harris. There is no poetry about Harris- no wild yearning for the unattainable. Harris never "weeps, he knows not why."…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jerome-k-jerome/you-can-never-rouse-harris-there-is-no-poetry-about-harris-no-wild/) [Jerome K. Jerome](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jerome-k-jerome/) [Explore all 267 Jerome K. Jerome quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jerome-k-jerome/) ## More Idling quotes > [“Alberta had always had many forms of idling. She frittered away her time with virtuosity.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cora-sandel/alberta-had-always-had-many-forms-of-idling-she-frittered-away-her/) [Cora Sandel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cora-sandel/) > [I feel like Court Yard Hounds keeps us idling. I think Emily and I function better when we're continually making music and playing, and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martie-maguire/i-feel-like-court-yard-hounds-keeps-us-idling-i-think-emily-and-i/) [Martie Maguire](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martie-maguire/) > [Idling is not my strong suit.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cam-gigandet/idling-is-not-my-strong-suit/) [Cam Gigandet](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cam-gigandet/) > [In idling, the motor's running, but you're letting your mind take in anything. Things pop into it. Those are the gifts of subterranean conscious.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mortimer-adler/in-idling-the-motor-s-running-but-you-re-letting-your-mind-take-in/) [Mortimer Adler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mortimer-adler/) > [Personally I regard idling as a virtue, but civilized society holds otherwise.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-maarten-troost/personally-i-regard-idling-as-a-virtue-but-civilized-society-holds/) [J. Maarten Troost](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-maarten-troost/) > [“Relaxing brings weakness, when done by a muscle; but brings strength, when done by a person.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mokokoma-mokhonoana/relaxing-brings-weakness-when-done-by-a-muscle-but-brings-strength/) [Mokokoma Mokhonoana](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mokokoma-mokhonoana/) > [“It is impossible to enjoy idling thoroughly unless one has plenty of work to do. There is no fun in doing nothing when you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jerome-k-jerome/it-is-impossible-to-enjoy-idling-thoroughly-unless-one-has-plenty-of/) [Jerome K. Jerome](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jerome-k-jerome/) > [“It is an unfortunate reality for innate idlers that our modern world requires one to hold a job to maintain a sustainable existence. Idling,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-maarten-troost/it-is-an-unfortunate-reality-for-innate-idlers-that-our-modern-world/) [J. Maarten Troost](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-maarten-troost/) > [As for the dispute about solitude and society, any comparison is impertinent. It is an idling down on the plane at the base of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henry-david-thoreau/as-for-the-dispute-about-solitude-and-society-any-comparison-is/) [Henry David Thoreau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-david-thoreau/) > [“Life was not to be sitting in hot amorphic leisure in my backyard idly writing or not-writing, as the spirit moved me. It was,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sylvia-plath/life-was-not-to-be-sitting-in-hot-amorphic-leisure-in-my-backyard/) [Sylvia Plath](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sylvia-plath/) > [When you go to pick your kids up from school, cars are lined up idling for anywhere from five to 20 minutes. Starting a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laurie-david/when-you-go-to-pick-your-kids-up-from-school-cars-are-lined-up-idling/) [Laurie David](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laurie-david/) > [It is impossible to enjoy idling thoroughly unless one has plenty of work to do.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jerome-k-jerome/it-is-impossible-to-enjoy-idling-thoroughly-unless-one-has-plenty-of-2/) [Jerome K. Jerome](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jerome-k-jerome/) > [Patience is idling your motor when you feel like stripping a gear.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bill-gothard/patience-is-idling-your-motor-when-you-feel-like-stripping-a-gear/) [Bill Gothard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bill-gothard/) > [“I like idling when I ought not to be idling; not when it is the only thing I have to do. Thatis my pig-headed…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jerome-k-jerome/i-like-idling-when-i-ought-not-to-be-idling-not-when-it-is-the-only/) [Jerome K. Jerome](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jerome-k-jerome/) > [“Idling has always been my strong point. I take no credit to myself in the matter-it is a gift.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jerome-k-jerome/idling-has-always-been-my-strong-point-i-take-no-credit-to-myself-in/) [Jerome K. Jerome](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jerome-k-jerome/) [Browse all 24 Idling quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/idling/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "“I like idling when I ought not to be idling; not when it is the only thing I have to do.”", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Jerome K. 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