It is the interest of every man to live as much at his…
““It is the interest of every man to live as much at his ease as he can; and if his emoluments are to be precisely the same, whether he does or does not perform some very laborious duty, it is certainly his interest, at least as interest is vulgarly understood, either to neglect it altogether, or, if he is subject to some authority which will not suffer him to do this, to perform it in as careless and slovenly a manner as that authority will permit.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
People tend to avoid work unless forced, and when compelled they do the minimal effort allowed.
In simple terms: People avoid work unless forced, doing the least they can.
Key Takeaway
Recognize when you’re slacking and seek genuine engagement.
Themes
work ethic
authority
motivation
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- job performance
- education
- personal productivity
- management
- policy
Key Concepts
economics
human behavior
incentives
Questions to Reflect On
- What tasks do you do only minimally?
- How can you increase intrinsic motivation?
A Different Perspective
If authority is too lax, quality suffers and complacency grows.