Art Quote by Neil Clarke
““Consciousness is expensive,” she said. “This is a problem for totalitarian states. A human being with interest in leisure, art, agency—a human being who is aware of her own self-interest—cannot be worked to maximum potential. I speak of more than simple slave labor. I am sure that many of your professors wish you could devote yourselves more completely to your studies.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview on totalitarianism, 2023
The quote argues that consciousness, with its self‑interest and creativity, raises costs for regimes that demand maximal output, limiting individual freedom and leisure.
In simple terms: Consciousness makes people costly for oppressive systems.
Key Takeaway
Protect personal autonomy and creative freedom.
Themes
freedom
creativity
political power
labor
individuality
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
political
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- education
- workplace
- authoritarian governance
- creative industries
Key Concepts
self‑interest
agency
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- How does personal agency affect productivity?
- Can societies balance freedom with economic goals?
A Different Perspective
Assumes all consciousness is equally costly, ignoring efficiencies from motivated workers.
![“I think the person who takes a job in order to live - that is to say, for the money [not for purpose or passion]- has turned himself into a slave.” quote by Joseph Campbell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bf2/joseph-campbell-300_money_i-think-the-person-who-takes-a-job-in-or_2581914.jpg)
