Attachment Quote by E. F. Schumacher
“To organize work in such a manner that it becomes meaningless, boring, stultifying, or nerve-racking for the worker would be little short of criminal; it would indicate a greater concern with goods than with people, an evil lack of compassion and a soul-destroying degree of attachment to the most primitive side of this worldly existence.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Small Is Beautiful by E. F. Schumacher, 1973
Treating work as a means to profit rather than a human activity dehumanizes and harms workers.
In simple terms: Work should honor people, not just profit.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize human dignity over productivity.
Themes
ethics
labor
humanity
compassion
capitalism
Mood
critical
concerned
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- management
- policy
- workplace design
- employee well‑being
Key Concepts
dehumanization
alienation
exploitation
Questions to Reflect On
- How does your organization value people versus output?
- What changes could reduce alienation at work?
A Different Perspective
Profit‑first focus can ignore essential human needs.
