Tag Archives: idleness

To an idiot with a hammer, EVERYTHING looks like a nail

小人閑居して不善をなす (Shoujin kankyo shite fuzen wo nasu; “The mean, when idle, accomplish ill”) Definition: Idle hands are the devil’s workshop. Mean-spirited or narrow-minded people will do harm when given free time and left to their own devices. Breakdown: We begin … Continue reading

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Some cows give milk; this one says “Mu”

無為無能 mu.i.mu.nou Literally: nothing – do/benefit – nothing – ability Alternately: Not doing anything, and not able to do anything. A complete lack of action, and of ability to achieve anything significant. Idle and incompetent. Notes: Keep in mind that … Continue reading

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