I finally figured out the only reason to be alive is to enjoy it.
—Rita Mae Brown (b.1944) American Writer, Feminist
Give your stress wings and let it fly away.
—Terri Guillemets
Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep.
—Unknown
He that can take rest is greater than he that can take cities.
—Benjamin Franklin (1706–90) American Political Leader, Inventor, Diplomat
What all men are really after is some form, or perhaps only some formula, of peace.
—Joseph Conrad (1857–1924) Polish-born British Novelist
He enjoys true leisure who has time to improve his soul’s estate.
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–62) American Philosopher
And we should consider every day lost on which we have not danced at least once. And we should call every truth false which was not accompanied by at least one laugh.
—Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900) German Philosopher, Scholar, Writer
There is only one thing people like that is good for them; a good night’s sleep.
—E. W. Howe (1853–1937) American Novelist, Editor
No one can get inner peace by pouncing on it.
—Harry Emerson Fosdick (1878–1969) American Baptist Minister
Friends, I beg you do not shirk your daily task of indolence.
—Don Marquis (1878–1937) American Humorist, Journalist, Author
Thou driftest gently down the tides of sleep.
—Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807–82) American Poet, Educator, Academic
Fatigue is the best pillow.
—Benjamin Franklin (1706–90) American Political Leader, Inventor, Diplomat
The time to relax is when you don’t have time for it.
—Sydney J. Harris (1917–86) American Essayist, Drama Critic
Like water which can clearly mirror the sky and the trees only so long as its surface is undisturbed, the mind can only reflect the true image of the Self when it is tranquil and wholly relaxed.
—Indra Devi (1899–2002) Russian-American Yoga Teacher
No one can work and achieve efficiently with a pack of worries on his back. People who enjoy life and radiate their happiness fear nothing. Fear never has led, and never will lead, a man victoriously in any phase of life … . A cheerful frame of mind, reenforced by relaxation, which in itself banishes fatigue, is the medicine that puts all Ghosts of fear on the run! So, get fun out of what you do—and you will do much, and be glad that you are alive.
—George Matthew Adams (1878–1962) American Columnist, Journalist
Unless each day can be looked back upon by an individual as one in which he has had some fun, some joy, some real satisfaction, that day is a loss.
—Dwight D. Eisenhower (1890–1969) American Head of State, Military Leader
There must be quite a few things that a hot bath won’t cure, but I don’t know many of them.
—Sylvia Plath (1932–63) American Poet, Novelist
If you can attain repose and calm, believe that you have seized happiness.
—Julie de Lespinasse (1732–76) French Salon Hostess, Writer
It’s fun to get together and have something good to eat at least once a day. That’s what human life is all about—enjoying things.
—Julia Child (1912–2004) American Cook, Author
Man needs a day of rest from the cares, toils, and trials of the six days of work in the material realm. He needs to reflect, meditate, contemplate, and to turn his eyes inward, as it were, rather than outwards.
—Anonymous
There is more to life than increasing its speed.
—Mohandas K. Gandhi (1869–1948) Indian Hindu Political leader
Health is the first muse, and sleep is the condition to produce it.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–82) American Philosopher
Now blessings light on him that first invented this same sleep: it covers a man all over, thoughts and all, like a cloak; ‘Tis meat for the hungry, drink for the thirsty, heat for the cold, and cold for the hot. ‘Tis the current coin that purchases all the pleasures of the world cheap; and the balance that sets the king and the shepherd, the fool and the wise-man even. There is only one thing that I dislike in sleep; ‘Tis that it resembles death; there’s very little difference between a man in his first sleep, and a man in his last sleep.
—Miguel de Cervantes (1547–1616) Spanish Novelist
Sleep … peace of the soul, who puttest care to flight.
—Ovid (Publius Ovidius Naso) (c.43 BCE–c.18 CE) Roman Poet
For fast-acting relief, try slowing down.
—Lily Tomlin (b.1939) American Comedy Actress
There may be those on earth who dress better or eat better, but those who enjoy the peace of God sleep better.
—Thomas L. Holdcroft
No matter what looms ahead, if you can eat today, enjoy the sunlight today, mix good cheer with friends today, enjoy it and bless God for it. Do not look back on happiness—or dream of it in the future. You are only sure of today; do not let yourself be cheated out of it.
—Henry Ward Beecher (1813–87) American Clergyman, Writer
Men, for the sake of getting a living forget to live.
—Margaret Fuller (1810–50) American Feminist, Writer, Revolutionary
Every now and then go away, have a little relaxation, for when you come back to your work your judgment will be surer. Go some distance away because then the work appears smaller and more of it can be taken in at a glance and a lack of harmony and proportion is more readily seen.
—Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519) Italian Polymath, Painter, Sculptor, Inventor, Architect
Sleep is the golden chain that ties health and our bodies together.
—Thomas Dekker