Extreme busyness is a symptom of deficient vitality.

What it means

Constant busyness can hide a lack of real life. Stevenson praises the ability to enjoy idle time. Slow down enough to notice you are alive.

The source

"Extreme busyness is a symptom of deficient vitality." Robert Louis Stevenson said it in An Apology for Idlers (Virginibus Puerisque, 1881). Written in English: Virginibus Puerisque, 1881.

"Extreme busyness, whether at school or college, kirk or market, is a symptom of deficient vitality"

Original English (Virginibus Puerisque, 1881), An Apology for Idlers (Virginibus Puerisque, 1881). Text read at gutenberg.org.

Who said it

Robert Louis Stevenson (1850–1894). Scottish writer of Treasure Island who spent his last years in Samoa. His essays in Virginibus Puerisque (1881) defend hope, idleness and happiness.

Questions

What does "Extreme busyness is a symptom of deficient vitality." mean?

Constant busyness can hide a lack of real life. Stevenson praises the ability to enjoy idle time. Slow down enough to notice you are alive.

Who said "Extreme busyness is a symptom of deficient vitality."?

Robert Louis Stevenson (1850–1894). Source: An Apology for Idlers (Virginibus Puerisque, 1881).

What is the original wording?

Extreme busyness, whether at school or college, kirk or market, is a symptom of deficient vitality (Original English (Virginibus Puerisque, 1881)). Written in English: Virginibus Puerisque, 1881.

Is "Extreme busyness is a symptom of deficient vitality." on a shirt?

Yes. We print it to order on our tees in 7 illustrated looks, from $44, with free US shipping.

"Extreme busyness is a symptom of deficient vitality." (Robert Louis Stevenson, An Apology for Idlers (Virginibus Puerisque, 1881), trans. Original English (Virginibus Puerisque, 1881)). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/extreme-busyness-is-a-symptom-of-deficient-vitality