“To be idle is a short road to death and to be diligent is a way of life; foolish people are idle, wise people are diligent.”
- 7th century BC to 5th century BC
- Indian
- Religious leader, thinker
- Founded Buddhism, taught people the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, which showed the causes of suffering and how to resolve them, and spread the path of training aimed at inner liberation and enlightenment.
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Quote
“To be idle is a short road to death and to be diligent is a way of life; foolish people are idle, wise people are diligent.”
Explanation
This quote highlights the importance of diligence and active engagement in life. It suggests that idleness—whether mental or physical—leads to stagnation and a form of spiritual and emotional death, as it prevents growth, progress, and fulfillment. On the other hand, being diligent—putting effort into meaningful work, learning, and self-improvement—is described as the way of life, leading to both personal growth and vitality. The quote contrasts the actions of foolish and wise individuals, with the wise being proactive and diligent in their pursuits, while the foolish remain passive and idle.
In modern life, this message encourages productivity and purposeful action. In a world full of distractions, it’s easy to fall into habits of idleness or procrastination, but this quote reminds us that true fulfillment comes from effort and dedication to personal growth, work, and relationships. For example, someone who works diligently toward their goals, whether in their career or personal development, is more likely to experience a sense of accomplishment and vitality, compared to someone who procrastinates or remains passive about their desires and responsibilities.
Historically, Buddha’s teachings emphasized right effort as part of the Noble Eightfold Path. Buddha taught that through diligence and consistent practice—whether in meditation, learning, or moral conduct—we can overcome suffering and advance toward enlightenment. Idleness, according to Buddhist thought, can lead to a mind that is clouded by ignorance, while diligence fosters clarity, wisdom, and liberation from the cycle of suffering. The quote encourages the wise to be consistently engaged in actions that lead to spiritual growth and a meaningful life.
