Alive Quote by E. F. Schumacher
“It has been universally recognized, in all authentic teachings of mankind, that every being born into this world has to work, not merely to keep himself alive, but to strive towards perfection.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Small Is Beautiful, 1973
The quote emphasizes that work is a moral duty toward personal and collective improvement, not merely survival.
In simple terms: Work aims at personal and societal perfection.
Key Takeaway
Strive for excellence in all tasks.
Themes
work
self-improvement
purpose
philosophy
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
ethical
motivational
When to use this quote
- career development
- education
- volunteering
- personal projects
Key Concepts
human development
ethical labor
meaningful existence
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance effort and well‑being?
- What does perfection mean to you?
A Different Perspective
Perfection may be unattainable, leading to burnout.
