Birth Quote by Guy de Maupassant
“There are in France some fifty thousand young men of good birth and fairly well off who are encouraged to live a life of complete idleness. They must either cease to exist or must come to see that there can be no happiness, no health even, without regular daily labor of some sort... The need of work is in me.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Une Vie, 1883
The passage criticizes a privileged class that avoids work, arguing that idleness leads to unhappiness and ill health, while regular labor is essential for well‑being.
In simple terms: Idle rich people become unhealthy and unhappy; work is necessary.
Key Takeaway
Embrace regular work for health and happiness.
Themes
class
work
health
happiness
social critique
Mood
reflective
critical
serious
Type
philosophical
social commentary
When to use this quote
- career stagnation
- wealthy leisure
- public policy
- personal health
- community welfare
Key Concepts
Socio‑economic disparity
work ethic
human fulfillment
Questions to Reflect On
- What purpose does work give you?
- Can leisure replace meaningful labor?
A Different Perspective
Even with wealth, lack of purpose can cause despair.
