The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation. What is called resignation is confirmed desperation. From the desperate city you go into the desperate country, and have to console yourself with the bravery of minks and muskrats. A stereotyped but unconscious despair is concealed even under what are called the games and amusements of mankind. There is no play in them, for this comes after work. But it is a characteristic of wisdom not to do desperate things. Henry David Thoreau
About This Quote

The quote above comes from the novel "David Copperfield" by Charles Dickens. It is quite true that in the modern world, people lead lives that are filled with desperation because they are too busy to live. This quote illustrates that man is not given the time to live a happy life. If he wants to be happy, he should prepare for serious challenges in his life. This quote also suggests that when people are not doing their best in their work, they will be equally poor at making time for themselves.

Source: Walden

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  1. The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation. What is called resignation is confirmed desperation. From the desperate city you go into the desperate country, and have to console yourself with the bravery of minks and muskrats. A stereotyped but unconscious despair is concealed...

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