Nothing is very strong: strong enough to steal away a man's best years not in sweet sins but in a dreary flickering of the mind over it knows not what and knows not why, in the gratification of curiosities so feeble that the man is only half aware of them, in drumming of fingers and kicking of heels, in whistling tunes that he does not like, or in the long, dim labyrinth of reveries that have not even lust or ambition to give them a relish, but which, once chance association has started them, the creature is took weak and fuddled to shake off.

Summary

This quote criticizes how easily individuals can be consumed by distractions and idle activities that rob them of their productive and fulfilling moments. It suggests that these diversions may not even be enjoyable or purposeful, but rather mindlessly pursued habits driven by curiosity or boredom. The quote paints a grim image of a person engaging in trivial behaviors and getting lost in unfulfilling daydreams, lacking the desire or drive to escape from the grasp of these unproductive tendencies. The quote serves as a warning against allowing these distractions to rule one's life and compromise one's potential.

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