Doctrine Quote by Arthur Balfour
“In effort Happiness idleness life pleasure superstition support trouble work The superstition that all our hours of work are a minus quantity in the happiness of life, and all the hours of idleness are plus ones, is a most ludicrous and pernicious doctrine, and its greatest support comes from our not taking sufficient trouble, not making a real effort, to make work as near pleasure as it can be.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Essays on Politics and Life, Arthur Balfour, 1912
The belief that work always reduces happiness and idleness always increases it is false; effort can be enjoyable if approached correctly.
In simple terms: Work isn’t always bad, idleness isn’t always good.
Key Takeaway
Find joy in purposeful effort.
Themes
work
happiness
effort
idleness
mindset
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- career
- personal projects
- household chores
- creative hobbies
Key Concepts
psychology
philosophy
motivation
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you make your tasks more enjoyable?
- What activities feel like work versus leisure?
A Different Perspective
The quote may overlook systemic issues that make work genuinely oppressive.
![“He [A. J. Balfour] was eminently one of the Cole Porter school of famous men, who only fell to rise again. Picking himself up and brushing himself down became a minor art form, ruefully admired by his contemporaries.” quote by Arthur Balfour](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d36/arthur-balfour-15770_admired_he-a-j-balfour-was-eminently-one-of-the_43746.jpg)
