This quote speaks to the importance and value of rest, relaxation, and self-care. It suggests that knowing how to truly rest – to step back from the demands of daily life, quiet one’s mind, rejuvenate one’s body and spirit – is a greater achievement than even the most impressive worldly accomplishments such as conquering empires or cities.
The quote highlights a different perspective on success. In our society, success is often measured by external achievements like wealth, power or status. But this quote suggests that true success might lie in mastering not just doing but also not-doing; in balancing action with rest; in understanding when to strive and when to surrender.
In today’s world where we are constantly bombarded with information, demands on our time and attention are higher than ever before. We live in a culture that celebrates busyness and productivity at all costs leading many people into chronic stress or burnout. This makes Montaigne’s idea highly relevant today.
Applying this idea in personal development could involve cultivating habits of restfulness such as mindfulness meditation or yoga; learning how to set boundaries around work time; prioritizing sleep; spending time in nature regularly or simply scheduling regular downtime into your calendar.
It might also involve changing your mindset around rest: instead of seeing it as laziness or wasted time, recognizing it as an essential part of maintaining health, creativity and overall well-being. It could mean redefining success so it isn’t just about what you achieve but also about how well you take care of yourself along the way.
the ability to truly relax is not only beneficial for personal health but also for productivity itself since periods of deep relaxation can lead to increased creativity and problem-solving abilities upon return from resting states.Therefore,this philosophy encourages balance between striving for goals while still maintaining personal wellness through adequate resting periods.
