Every day Quote by Lydia Davis
““I am happy doing the work I do, alone at a desk. That work is a great part of every day. But when I am old and alone all the time, will it be enough to think about the work I used to do?””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Collected Stories of Lydia Davis, 1999
The speaker enjoys current work but worries about future meaning when alone and retired.
In simple terms: Enjoy work now, fear future emptiness.
Key Takeaway
Find lasting purpose beyond work.
Themes
purpose
loneliness
aging
meaning
worklife
Mood
contemplative
melancholic
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- career planning
- retirement preparation
- personal fulfillment
- mental health
Key Concepts
Existentialism
selfreflection
futureorientation
Questions to Reflect On
- How will you define purpose after work ends?
- What non‑work activities could sustain you?
A Different Perspective
Future meaning may not come solely from past work.
![“I worked more intensively hour after hour when I was starting out [writing]. More laboriously. I'd say quantity is important as well as quality, and if you're not producing enough, make a schedule and stick to it.” quote by Lydia Davis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/29b/lydia-davis-3244_after-hours_i-worked-more-intensively-hour-after-hou_171566.jpg)
