Day dreaming Quote by Victor Hugo
““Nothing is more dangerous than to stop working. It is a habit that can soon be lost, one that is easily neglected and hard to resume. A measure of day-dreaming is a good thing, like a drug prudently used; it allays the sometimes virulent fever of the over-active mind, like a cool wind blowing through the brain to smooth the harshness of untrammelled thought; it bridges here and there the gaps, brings things into proportion and blunts the sharper angles. But too much submerges and drowns. Woe to the intellectual worker who allows himself to lapse wholly from positive thinking into day-dreaming. He thinks he can easily change back, and tells himself that it is all one. He is wrong! Thought is the work of the intellect, reverie is its self-indulgence. To substitute day-dreaming for thought is to confuse poison with a source of nourishment.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: On work and day‑dreaming, 1860
Continuous work is essential; excessive day‑dreaming hinders productivity, but occasional reverie can refresh the mind if used sparingly.
In simple terms: Work hard, day‑dream wisely.
Key Takeaway
Balance effort with healthy imagination.
Themes
productivity
creativity
discipline
balance
Mood
thoughtful
balanced
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- creative brainstorming
- study breaks
- problem solving
Key Concepts
cognitive psychology
habit formation
mental health
Questions to Reflect On
- How much leisure thinking is optimal for creativity?
- When does imagination become a distraction?
A Different Perspective
Too much day‑dreaming can become escapism, reducing output.
