---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: How I would like to have them back, those…"
description: "\"“How I would like to have them back, those pointless afternoons - the boredom, the aimlessness, the unformed possibilities.”\" — Margaret Atwood"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/20c/margaret-atwood-40_aimlessness_how-i-would-like-to-have-them-back-those_3087034.jpg"
---

#  How I would like to have them back, those pointless…

![“How I would like to have them back, those pointless afternoons - the boredom, the aimlessness, the unformed possibilities.” quote by Margaret Atwood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/20c/margaret-atwood-40_aimlessness_how-i-would-like-to-have-them-back-those_3087034.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/20c/margaret-atwood-40_aimlessness_how-i-would-like-to-have-them-back-those_3087034.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/20c/margaret-atwood-40_aimlessness_how-i-would-like-to-have-them-back-those_3087034.jpg)

> ““How I would like to have them back, those pointless afternoons - the boredom, the aimlessness, the unformed possibilities.””

[Margaret Atwood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/margaret-atwood/)

## About This Quote

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

Idle time can be valuable, offering space for imagination and future possibilities.

**In simple terms:** Boredom can spark creativity.

Key Takeaway

Use unstructured moments to explore ideas.

Themes

reflection creativity possibility

Mood

contemplative hopeful

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

- journaling
- daydreaming
- creative brainstorming
- life planning

Key Concepts

mindfulness potential self‑discovery

Questions to Reflect On

- What can you create from a seemingly pointless afternoon?
- How does boredom fuel your imagination?

A Different Perspective

Too much idleness may lead to stagnation without direction.

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[Aimlessness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/aimlessness/) [The-blind-assassin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/the-blind-assassin/)

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## More by Margaret Atwood

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