On Rest by Hilaire Belloc (1909)
The work explores the concept of rest and its relationship to human nature. It argues that rest is essential for physical and mental rejuvenation, and that it is often overlooked in modern society. The text critiques the idea that constant activity and productivity are necessary for success and happiness, instead advocating for a more balanced approach that prioritizes rest and relaxation.
By Hilaire Belloc · First published 1909 · Genre: Philosophical, Religious, Reflective · 1,529 words
First lines
There was a priest once who preached a sermon to the text of "Abba, Father. " On that text one might preach anything, but the matter that he chose was "Rest. " He was not yet in middle age, and those who heard him were not yet even young. They could not understand at all the moment of his ardent speech, and even the older men, seeing him to be but in the central part of life, wondered that he should speak so. His eyes were illuminated by the vision of something distant; his heart was not ill at ease, but, as it were, fixedly expectant, and he preached from his little pulpit in that little chapel of the Downs, with rising and deeper powers of the voice, so that he shook the air; yet all this energy was but the praise or the demand for the surcease of energy, and all this sound was but the demand for silence.
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Genres
- Philosophical — The text explores deep philosophical themes such as the nature of rest, the end of life, and the meaning of existence.
- Religious — The narrative is framed around a sermon and includes religious references and interpretations, particularly Christian theology.
- Reflective — The writing style is introspective, encouraging readers to reflect on life, death, and the pursuit of rest.
- Literary — The text employs a rich literary style, with references to historical figures, literature, and poetry.
Tags
Philosophy · Meditation · Self-Improvement · Personal Growth · Wellness · Spirituality · Mindfulness · Reflection · Contemplation · Existentialism · Human Condition · Life Lessons
What this Textopian page supports
On Rest is listed on Textopian as an essay by Hilaire Belloc, dated 1909 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Hilaire Belloc
- Date: 1909 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Philosophical, Religious, Reflective, Literary, Essay
- Length: 1,529 words
- Structure: 1 section, 16 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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- Work identity for On Rest by Hilaire Belloc
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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