New Statesman, August 27 1949. Quoted in E. S. Turner, Roads to Ruin : The Shocking History of Social Reform, Michael Joseph, London, 1950 (pg. 66).
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We English certainly do not like working for work's sake. There is nothing inside us that cries to be set going at an early hour and kept at it until a late hour. We have no private passion for being industrious.
— J. B. Priestley
What It Means
This is a placeholder explanation generated by the low-overhead model. It interprets "We English certainly do not like working for work's sake. There is nothing inside us that cries to be set going at an early hour and kept at it until a late hour. We have no private passion for being industrious." in the context of "New Statesman, August 27 1949. Quoted in E. S. Turner, Roads to Ruin : The Shocking History of Social Reform, Michael Joseph, London, 1950 (pg. 66)." to mean that wisdom is timeless.
Source: Wikiquote: "J. B. Priestley" (Quotes)
The 'What it means' explanation text was generated by Google Gemini Flash (accessed January 18, 2026). https://gemini.google.com/app
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About J. B. Priestley
John Boynton Priestley OM (13 September 1894 – 14 August 1984) was an English playwright, novelist, social commentator, biographer, literary critic, screenwriter and broadcaster. During his lifetime, he combined popular success with critical respect.
About J. B. Priestley
John Boynton Priestley OM (13 September 1894 – 14 August 1984) was an English playwright, novelist, social commentator, biographer, literary critic, screenwriter and broadcaster. During his lifetime, he combined popular success with critical respect.
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