Career Quote by Bertrand Russell
““what is work? Work is of two kinds: first, altering the position of matter at or near the earth's surface relatively to other such matter; second, telling other people to do so. The first one is unpleasant and ill paid; the second is pleasant and highly paid.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Problems of Philosophy, Bertrand Russell, 1912
Work can be divided into physical labor and managerial direction; the former is often low‑paid and unpleasant, the latter is higher‑paid and more enjoyable.
In simple terms: Two kinds of work: manual and managerial.
Key Takeaway
Value and work over manual labor.
Themes
labor
economics
social hierarchy
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- construction sites
- office management
- entrepreneurship
- policy making
Key Concepts
class
division of labor
compensation
authority
Questions to Reflect On
- How can society better reward essential manual labor?
- What responsibilities come with directing others?
A Different Perspective
Physical work can be essential and dignified despite low pay.
![“If the State does not acquire supremacy over [vast private] enterprises, it becomes their puppet, and they become the real State.” quote by Bertrand Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bad/bertrand-russell-69_acquire_if-the-state-does-not-acquire-supremacy_1379.jpg)
