Compared to what we ought to be, we are half awake.

Compared to what we ought to be, we are only half awake. We are making use of only a small part of our mental and physical resources.

I am half asleep but the negotiations are wide awake.

In the dim background of mind we know what we ought to be doing but somehow we cannot start.

Whatever ought to be, can be.

Compared to what I have seen in some magazines, this is a very mild setup, but it is enough for me.