Every day Quote by Pyotr Kropotkin
““Overwork is repulsive to human nature—not work. Overwork for supplying the few with luxury—not work for the well-being of all. Work is a physiological necessity, a necessity of spending accumulated bodily energy, a necessity which is health and life itself. If so many branches of useful work are so reluctantly done now, it is merely because they mean overwork, or they are improperly organised. But we know—old Franklin knew it—that four hours of useful work every day would be more than sufficient for supplying everybody with the comfort of a moderately well-to-do middle-class house, if we all gave ourselves to productive work, and if we did not waste our productive powers as we do waste them now.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Mutual Aid: A Factor of Evolution by Peter Kropotkin, 1902
Human beings need work for health and purpose, but excessive work is harmful; properly organized, short, productive work can meet everyone’s needs.
In simple terms: Work is essential, but overwork is harmful; short, productive work suffices for all.
Key Takeaway
Limit work to short, productive periods.
Themes
work
health
productivity
social equity
Mood
thoughtful
balanced
Type
philosophical
social
motivational
When to use this quote
- daily labor
- community projects
- household chores
- volunteer activities
Key Concepts
physiology
economics
social organization
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies redesign jobs to avoid overwork?
- What incentives encourage efficient, short work periods?
A Different Perspective
Overwork can still arise from cultural expectations and economic pressures.
