To do nothing at all is the most difficult thing in the world, the most difficult and the most intellectual.

It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends upon his not understanding it.

The most fitting occupation for a civilized man is to do nothing.

A human being must have occupation, if he or she is not to become a nuisance to the world.

The best augury of a man’s success in his profession is that he thinks it the finest in the world.

Plough deep while sluggards sleep.

I hate the present modes of living and getting a living. Farming and shopkeeping and working at a trade or profession are all odious to me. I should relish getting my living in a simple, primitive fashion.

I am a friend of the workingman, and I would rather be his friend than be one.