---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: That state is a state of slavery in which…"
description: "\"That state is a state of slavery in which a man does what he likes to do in his spare time and in his working time that which is required of him.\" — Er..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/278/eric-gill-26720_capitalism_that-state-is-a-state-of-slavery-in-whic_2621397.jpg"
---

#  That state is a state of slavery in which a man does what…

![“That state is a state of slavery in which a man does what he likes to do in his spare time and in his working time that which is required of him.” quote by Eric Gill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/278/eric-gill-26720_capitalism_that-state-is-a-state-of-slavery-in-whic_2621397.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/278/eric-gill-26720_capitalism_that-state-is-a-state-of-slavery-in-whic_2621397.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/278/eric-gill-26720_capitalism_that-state-is-a-state-of-slavery-in-whic_2621397.jpg)

> “That state is a state of slavery in which a man does what he likes to do in his spare time and in his working time that which is required of him.”

[Eric Gill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eric-gill/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The quote describes a paradox where freedom feels like slavery because one must fulfill obligations both in leisure and work.

**In simple terms:** Freedom can feel like slavery when duties dominate all time.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and balance personal desires with responsibilities.

Themes

freedom obligation paradox work leisure

Mood

reflective thoughtful

Type

philosophical critical

When to use this quote

- managing time
- setting boundaries
- negotiating work-life balance
- creative pursuits

Key Concepts

existentialism social critique personal autonomy

Questions to Reflect On

- How do you differentiate duty from desire?
- Can true freedom exist within obligations?

A Different Perspective

It may oversimplify complex motivations behind work and leisure.

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[Capitalism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/capitalism/) [Men](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/men/) [Slavery](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/slavery/) [Spare time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/spare-time/) [Time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/time/)

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