Single Idea 21480

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

Full Idea

Only in the cleverest animals such as dogs and apes does the need for activity, and with that boredom, make itself felt.

Gist of Idea

Boredom is only felt by those clever enough to need activity

Source

Arthur Schopenhauer (Parerga and Paralipomena [1851], III:50)

Book Reference

Schopenhauer,Arthur: 'Essays and Aphorisms [from Pand P]', ed/tr. Hollingdale,R.J. [Penguin 1970], p.126


A Reaction

But it is much more frequently young creatures, of almost any kind, that seek constant activity, and get continually restless. The most active adults need not be the cleverest.