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Single Idea 20178

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / F. Existentialism / 4. Boredom]

Full Idea

We are less bored than our ancestors were, but we are more afraid of boredom

Gist of Idea

Life is now more interesting, but boredom is more frightening

Source

Bertrand Russell (The Conquest of Happiness [1930], 4)

A Reaction

I get the impression that the invention of the powerful mobile phone has largely banished boredom from human life, except when you are obliged to switch it off. The fear of boredom may hence be even greater now.

Book Reference

Russell,Bertrand: 'The Conquest of Happiness' [Unwin 1961], p.39