--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Those who devote their lives to earning a…" description: "\"Those who devote their lives to earning a living are incapable of living a human existence.\" — Herbert Marcuse" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6d8/herbert-marcuse-3589_earning_those-who-devote-their-lives-to-earning_2676488.jpg" --- # Those who devote their lives to earning a living are… ![“Those who devote their lives to earning a living are incapable of living a human existence.” quote by Herbert Marcuse](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6d8/herbert-marcuse-3589_earning_those-who-devote-their-lives-to-earning_2676488.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6d8/herbert-marcuse-3589_earning_those-who-devote-their-lives-to-earning_2676488.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6d8/herbert-marcuse-3589_earning_those-who-devote-their-lives-to-earning_2676488.jpg) > “Those who devote their lives to earning a living are incapable of living a human existence.” [Herbert Marcuse](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/herbert-marcuse/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Critiques that focusing solely on earning a living neglects deeper human existence. **In simple terms:** Earning a living can prevent living fully. Key Takeaway Balance work and humanity. Themes work humanity existence Mood reflective critical Type philosophical activist When to use this quote - career counseling - life coaching - social activism - artistic pursuits Key Concepts Critical theory philosophy Questions to Reflect On - How can you integrate humanity into work? - What does a “human existence” look like? A Different Perspective Economic necessity can dominate choices. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Earning a living](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/earning-a-living/) [Existence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/existence/) [Human existence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/human-existence/) [Humans](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/humans/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) ## Related quotes > [Paul Revere earned his living as a silversmith. But what do we remember him for? His volunteer work. All activism is volunteering in that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/susan-j-ellis/paul-revere-earned-his-living-as-a-silversmith-but-what-do-we/) Susan J. Ellis > [Music is for people to hear, I can't think of anything else it could be for. 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