Meaning: This quote by William Congreve, a prominent English playwright and poet of the late 17th and early 18th centuries, reflects a sentiment of embracing leisure and pleasure over the burdens of business and wisdom. Congreve's works often explored themes of love, human folly, and the complexities of social interactions, and this quote exemplifies his wry and satirical outlook on life.

In the quote, Congreve seems to advocate for a carefree and lighthearted approach to life, dismissing the importance of business and wisdom as concerns for "idlers" and "fools." He humorously suggests that these individuals have a greater need for such pursuits, while he himself claims wit as his faculty and pleasure as his occupation. The reference to "father Time" shaking his glass implies an acceptance of the passage of time and an indifference to its effects.

Congreve's choice of words and the tone of the quote convey a sense of nonchalance and a rejection of conventional norms and societal expectations. The juxtaposition of "idlers" and "fools" with "wit" and "pleasure" suggests a deliberate defiance of traditional values, where idleness and foolishness are typically frowned upon, while wit and pleasure are celebrated.

One interpretation of this quote is that Congreve is advocating for a life of hedonistic pursuits, where the pursuit of pleasure and enjoyment takes precedence over the more practical and serious aspects of life. This sentiment aligns with the broader cultural shifts of the Restoration and early 18th-century England, where there was a growing emphasis on personal pleasure, individualism, and the pursuit of happiness.

Congreve's own life and career reflect the themes present in this quote. As a successful playwright and poet, he was known for his sharp wit and satirical commentary on the manners and morals of his time. His most famous work, "The Way of the World," is a comedy of manners that satirizes the social conventions and romantic entanglements of the English upper class.

In the context of Congreve's body of work, this quote can be seen as a reflection of his own worldview and artistic philosophy. It encapsulates his belief in the value of wit and pleasure as essential components of a fulfilling life, and his skepticism towards the conventional trappings of business and wisdom.

Despite its seemingly flippant tone, the quote also invites deeper reflection on the nature of happiness and fulfillment. It raises questions about the balance between work and leisure, the pursuit of knowledge and the pursuit of pleasure, and the ways in which individuals choose to allocate their time and energy.

In conclusion, William Congreve's quote embodies a playful and provocative perspective on life, emphasizing the primacy of wit and pleasure over the concerns of business and wisdom. It reflects the satirical and irreverent spirit of his literary works, while also prompting contemplation on the nature of happiness and the pursuit of a fulfilling existence.