Saint John Bosco warns against idleness

In Don Bosco that principle of Christian life was fulfilled: “qui laborat orat”, he who works prays. 

                   

1) “Idleness is the door for temptation.”

 

2) “An idle mind is the devil’s workshop.”

 

3) “Idleness is the father of all vices.”

 

"Avoid idleness and idle people; carry out your duties. Whenever you are idle you are in serious danger of falling into sin, because idleness teaches us all kinds of vice."

 

4) “Boys should be kept constantly occupied.”

 "Boys should be kept constantly occupied. After they are through with their school or shop duties we should entice them to join the choir, the band, or the Knights of the Altar. This will keep them busy. If we do not give them something to think about their minds will turn to unwholesome thoughts."

                        

                       

"As soon as you become aware of temptation, busy yourself with something. Idleness and modesty can’t go together. In overcoming idleness, you will overcome temptations against purity."

 

5) “Your greatest enemy is idleness: fight it without let up.”

"Avoid idleness and be most diligent in your scholastic and religious duties."

 

"[Referring to the time before the original sin] ...For to instruct us about the need to flee idleness, God commanded Adam to work, but this only for pleasure and without painful fatigue."

"[Francis Besucco saw a placard in Don Bosco’s room which read, ‘Every Moment is a treasure.’ He wondered at its meaning and asked Don Bosco, “How can you earn a treasure every moment?” Don Bosco responded]

It’s easier than you think. Every moment we can increase our knowledge, do a good deed, or make an act of love of God. In His sight, these are treasures to benefit us now and in eternity."

"Work is the fundamental trait of the Salesian: The Salesian is a worker. Don Cagliero used to say: "He who does not work is not Salesian." 

           

"If young people are educated properly, we have moral order; if not, vice and disorder prevail. Religion alone can initiate and achieve a true education."

"Rest never means idleness." 

"I would like to stress good health, good moral conduct and serious studies. Health is a precious gift; take good care of it. You are in school to acquire skills in order to earn a living. Regardless of your circumstances, profession and future position, you have to be able to support yourselves honestly. Never let it be said that you live by the sweat of others."