All Work and No Play Makes Jack a Dull Boy

"All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy" is an adage that still rings true today.

At first sound, it makes no sense that working hard and/or working much would make Jack a boring person. For all Jack cares, he is still the same self; not a tad more or less interesting, regardless of his penchant for hard work.

With some years of work experience, one would appreciate that this common adage is actually alluding to the fact if Jack overworks himself without getting enough rest and recreation, then he will literally be dull -- lacking in ability to think or reason, or lacking in mental alertness, intellectual quickness and accuracy of perception.

Collaboratively, we hear of taking a break to sharpen our axe. To put it bluntly, cutting down trees or chopping wood for the fire would be tough when the axe has been heavily used without getting a good sharpening.

To digress, why not say "... makes Jack a dull man"? If Jack is a student and his studies is deemed as hard work, then "boy" would be fine. 

However, if Jack is a working adult, then "boy" is preferred to "man" simply because the former rhymes better with "play" and one could placate the intellect that there is still a boyish past or nature in every man.

Refresh yourself daily and stay fresh!