Who really said it
The Second Sin, “Emotions,” cited p. 36 (1973)
Last verified 9 Nov 2026 · how we verify · spot an error?
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Unconfirmed quote & credit
“Boredom is the feeling that everything is a waste of time; serenity, that nothing is” — Attributed to Thomas Szasz, The Second Sin (1973), “Emotions,” p. 36; original page not inspected.
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In context
Evoking the world of Thomas Szasz — 1920–2012. Theme: "Boredom is the feeling that everything is a waste of time; serenity, that nothing is". Atmospheric and restrained, cinematic directional light, a muted period-appropriate palette, fine grain and texture. Compose with generous empty space for the quote and a small credit line. No lettering in the image itself.
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Provenance
Boredom is the feeling that everything is a waste of time; s Short excerpt
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Context
In The Second Sin, Szasz arranges short judgments under topical headings rather than building a continuous narrative. The boredom-and-serenity contrast is cited to the section “Emotions,” where nearby aphorisms also examine happiness, anxiety and courage. Its mirrored syntax makes the change in outlook, rather than a change in available time, the focus.
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Transcribes the two aphorisms and identifies their sections and pages in The Second Sin (1973).
His published CV lists The Second Sin, Garden City, New York: Doubleday, 1973; bibliographic corroboration, not inspection of the cited pages.
The author’s site cites another aphorism to The Second Sin (1973); confirms the book’s quotation tradition but not these two sentences.
Documents his dates, SUNY career and criticism of coercive psychiatry; biographical context only.
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For writers & researchers
The Second Sin, “Emotions,” cited p. 36. 1973.
Quotle.info. Who really said 'Boredom is the feeling that everything is a waste of time; serenity, that nothing is'? Last verified 9 Nov 2026. https://quotle.info/who-said/boredom-is-the-feeling-that-everything-is-a-waste-of-time/