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"待っています。退屈しています。いいえ、抗議しないでください。"

Samuel Beckett
Samuel Beckett Playwright
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Quote meaning
The core idea here is that we often find ourselves in situations where waiting leads to boredom. It's a universal experience, right? We all know what it's like to wait and feel that restless sense of time dragging on. Think about waiting for a train, or standing in line at the grocery store when you've only got one item but the person in front of you has a cart full. That dull feeling creeps in and takes over — you might fidget, check your phone, even let out a sigh or two, but the waiting goes on.

Historically, this sentiment could be tied to the human condition and our relationship with time. Waiting is something everyone does, and yet, it's one of those things we rarely discuss. It's like a shared secret of our lives. Maybe it was said because, in an age where everything is instant, waiting feels even more excruciating. Fast food, high-speed internet, next-day delivery — we’re conditioned to expect things to happen now. So when they don't, boredom sets in quickly.

Let's think about a real-life example. Imagine you're a student waiting for your exam results. You know it’ll take a couple of weeks. At first, you think you’ll just forget about it, but as the days pass, the anxiety builds up. The boredom of waiting becomes almost unbearable. You check your email obsessively, even though you know the results won’t be out yet. You try to distract yourself with other activities, but your mind keeps drifting back. This is the essence of waiting turning into boredom.

So how can we deal with this? Here’s some advice: If you find yourself bored while waiting, try to turn that time into something productive or enjoyable. Carry a book with you, pick up a new hobby, or use that time to meditate and clear your mind. When you’re waiting for something long-term, like those exam results, set small goals for yourself to stay occupied. Maybe decide to learn a few new recipes or start an exercise routine. Turn waiting into an opportunity rather than a chore.

Now, picture this scenario. You’re at the DMV — the great equalizer of waiting rooms. You took a number, and it’s 42. They’re currently serving number 8. You know you’re in for a long haul. Instead of letting boredom gnaw at you, you’ve got a plan. You pull out a book you've been meaning to read. You get through a couple of chapters while you wait. Maybe you strike up a conversation with the person next to you — turns out they have some pretty interesting stories. By the time your number is called, you’ve made progress on your book and maybe even made a new acquaintance. The boredom that could have consumed you ends up being just a small part of your day.

In the end, it's all about perspective and how you handle the inevitable waits in life. Instead of protesting and letting boredom win, find ways to make the time count. Embrace the moment, find joy in the small things, and remember that a little bit of creativity can turn even the dullest wait into something meaningful.
Related tags
Absurd Boredom Existentialism Human condition Patience Philosophy Protest Repetition Samuel beckett Waiting
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