“The most dangerous way to lose time is not to spend it having fun, but to spend it doing fake work”
— Paul Graham
Simplified Meaning:
Imagine you are studying for a big test, but instead of focusing on the important chapters, you spend hours color-coding your notes and reorganizing your desk. While it might feel like you are working hard, you aren't actually making real progress. This is like the quote: doing something that looks like work but doesn't really help you achieve your goal is the real waste of time. In another example, think of cleaning your house. If you spend all day dusting and arranging things that are already clean and in the right place, you might feel busy, but your house isn't getting any cleaner where it actually matters. Similarly, in your job, you might attend meetings or answer emails that don't lead to real accomplishments. To make good use of your time, focus on activities that truly move you forward. Whether it's studying, working on a project, or even exercising, make sure what you do makes a real difference. This way, you're spending your time wisely, getting closer to your goals, and not just staying busy for the sake of it.