Activity Quote by Hannah Arendt
“... we have almost succeeded in leveling all human activities to the common denominator of securing the necessities of life and providing for their bundance. Whatever we do, we are supposed to do for the sake of "making a living;" such is the verdict of society, and the number of people, especially in the professions who might challenge it, has decreased rapidly. The only exception society is willing to grant is to the artist, who, strictly speaking, is the only "worker" left in a laboring society.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Unknown, modern social commentary
Society reduces most work to mere survival, leaving artists as the sole group still seen as genuine labor.
In simple terms: Most jobs are reduced to survival; artists remain true workers.
Key Takeaway
Value artistic contribution beyond economic metrics.
Themes
labor
art
society
economics
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- education
- policy
- media
- community projects
Key Concepts
alienation
value theory
creative freedom
Questions to Reflect On
- What defines “real” work in modern society?
- How can art retain independence?
A Different Perspective
Art may still be commodified, limiting its autonomy.
