[All the ancient wisdom] tells us that work is necessary…
![“[All the ancient wisdom] tells us that work is necessary to us, as much a part of our condition as mortality; that good work is our salvation and our joy; that shoddy or dishonest or self-serving work is our curse and our doom. We have tried to escape the sweat and sorrow promised in Genesis…” quote by Wendell Berry](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/7c1/wendell-berry-236_america_all-the-ancient-wisdom-tells-us-that-wor_1212112.jpg)
“[All the ancient wisdom] tells us that work is necessary to us, as much a part of our condition as mortality; that good work is our salvation and our joy; that shoddy or dishonest or self-serving work is our curse and our doom. We have tried to escape the sweat and sorrow promised in Genesis - only to find that, in order to do so, we must forswear love and excellence, health and joy. (pg. 44, "The Unsettling of America")”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Work is essential to human purpose; honest labor brings joy, while dishonest work leads to ruin.
In simple terms: Good work is vital; bad work harms us.
Key Takeaway
Pursue meaningful, honest work.
Themes
purpose
labor
ethics
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- career choices
- personal fulfillment
- societal impact
Key Concepts
meaningful work
honesty
ful
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you align your job with personal values?
- What steps foster honest work in your field?
A Different Perspective
Ideal work may be hard to find in modern economies.