“In idleness there is a perpetual despair”
— Thomas Carlyle
Simplified Meaning:
When people do nothing and have no purpose, they often feel very sad and hopeless. Imagine a person who stays at home all day, every day, without any activities or goals. They have no job, no hobbies, and no plans. Soon, they might feel like their life doesn't matter, and this can make them really unhappy. This feeling comes from not being active or engaged in something meaningful. Let's think about someone who has retired from work but doesn't find new things to do. At first, they might enjoy the free time, but after a while, boredom can turn into sadness. If they find a new interest, like gardening or volunteering, they start to feel better because they have something to look forward to and a reason to get up in the morning. To avoid this sadness, it helps to stay busy with things that interest you or that help others. Even small activities like reading, walking, or learning something new can make a big difference. Keeping the mind and body active gives life more meaning and helps prevent feelings of despair.