For a multitude of causes, unknown to former times, are now acting with a combined force to blunt the discriminating powers of the mind, and unfitting it for all voluntary exertion to reduce it to a state of almost savage torpor... To this tendency of life and manners the literature and theatrical exhibitions of the country have conformed themselves. William Wordsworth
About This Quote

Charles Dickens wrote in his novel, Hard Times, that "for a multitude of causes, unknown to former times, are now acting with a combined force to blunt the discriminating powers of the mind, and unfitting it for all voluntary exertion to reduce it to a state of almost savage torpor." Dickens was writing about the effects of idle time in our culture.

Source: Preface To The Lyrical Ballads

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  1. With an eye made quiet by the power of harmony, and the deep power of joy, we see into the life of things.
  2. Habit rules the unreflecting herd.
  3. Books! tis a dull and endless strife: Come, hear the woodland linnet, How sweet his music! on my life, There's more of wisdom in it.
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