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Bearable Quote by George Eliot

“There's nothing but what's bearable as long as a man can work… The square o' four is sixteen, and you must lengthen your lever in proportion to your weight, is as true when a man's miserable as when he's happy; and the best o' working is, it gives you a grip hold o' things outside your own lot.” quote by George Eliot
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“There's nothing but what's bearable as long as a man can work… The square o' four is sixteen, and you must lengthen your lever in proportion to your weight, is as true when a man's miserable as when he's happy; and the best o' working is, it gives you a grip hold o' things outside your own lot.”

George Eliot

About This Quote

Source Novel: Middlemarch by George Eliot, 1871

The passage uses a mechanical metaphor to illustrate that effort must increase with burden, and that work provides perspective beyond one’s immediate circumstances.

In simple terms: Hard work gives broader perspective.

Key Takeaway

Balance effort with load.

Themes

work effort balance perspective mechanics

Mood

analytical inspirational

Type

philosophical practical

When to use this quote

  • career advancement
  • physical training
  • financial planning
  • personal development

Key Concepts

economics philosophy physics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you gauge when effort is proportional?
  • What external view does work give you?
A Different Perspective

Overworking can lead to burnout.

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