Who said “When children are doing nothing, they are doing mischief.”?

Verified

Henry Fielding. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceThe History of Tom Jones, a Foundling (1749), Book XV, Ch. 2

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Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling (1749), Book XV, Ch. 2.

APA

Fielding, H. (n.d.). When children are doing nothing, they are doing mischief. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/9816-when-children-are-doing-nothing-they-are-doing/

MLA

Fielding, Henry. “When children are doing nothing, they are doing mischief.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/9816-when-children-are-doing-nothing-they-are-doing/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Fielding, Henry. “When children are doing nothing, they are doing mischief.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/9816-when-children-are-doing-nothing-they-are-doing/.

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