Quote by Gerald Brenan
We are closer to the ants than to the butterflies. Very few people can endure much leisure.
Summary
This quote suggests that human nature is more inclined towards busyness and industriousness, similar to ants, rather than embracing leisure and freedom, akin to butterflies. It implies that only a small fraction of individuals possess the capacity to appreciate and handle substantial amounts of free time. Consequently, most people feel uncomfortable or restless in periods of leisure, as they are more accustomed to being productive or engaged in activities. The quote highlights the prevalence of a work-centric mindset in society and reflects on the challenges of finding balance between work and leisure.