It always does seem to me that I am doing more work than I…
““It always does seem to me that I am doing more work than I should do. It is not that I object to the work, mind you; I like work: it fascinates me. I can sit and look at it for hours. I love to keep it by me: the idea of getting rid of it nearly breaks my heart. You cannot give me too much work; to accumulate work has almost become a passion with me: my study is so full of it now, that there is hardly an inch of room for any more. I shall have to throw out a wing soon. And I am careful of my work, too. Why, some of the work that I have by me now has been in my possession for years and years, and there isn’t a finger-mark on it. I take a great pride in my work; I take it down now and then and dust it. No man keeps his work in a better state of preservation than I do. But, though I crave for work, I still like to be fair. I do not ask for more than my proper share.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
He revels in endless work, treating it as a passion and a source of identity, yet acknowledges the need for balance.
In simple terms: He loves work but warns against over‑commitment.
Key Takeaway
Pursue passion, but set limits.
Themes
work ethic
passion
balance
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- career planning
- creative projects
- academic research
Key Concepts
Psychology of labor
identity formation
Questions to Reflect On
- What tasks truly energize you?
- How do you protect personal time?
A Different Perspective
Obsessive work can lead to burnout.