Skip to content

Book Quote by Studs Terkel

“This book, being about work, is, by its very nature, about violence - to the spirit as well as to the body. It is about ulcers as well as accidents, about shouting matches as well as fistfights, about nervous breakdowns as well as kicking the dog around. It is, above all (or beneath all), about…” quote by Studs Terkel
Download Open image
““This book, being about work, is, by its very nature, about violence - to the spirit as well as to the body. It is about ulcers as well as accidents, about shouting matches as well as fistfights, about nervous breakdowns as well as kicking the dog around. It is, above all (or beneath all), about daily humiliations. To survive the day is triumph enough for the walking wounded among the great many of us.””

Studs Terkel

About This Quote

Source Book: Working by Studs Terkel, 1974

Work often inflicts both physical and emotional harm, making daily survival a triumph for many.

In simple terms: Work can be violent and humiliating.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and address workplace harm.

Themes

work violence humiliation

Mood

critical thoughtful

Type

analysis commentary

When to use this quote

  • office environments
  • manual labor
  • healthcare settings

Key Concepts

sociology labor mental health

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can workplaces become healthier?
  • What personal strategies help endure daily stress?
A Different Perspective

Not all work environments are harmful; systemic change can reduce suffering.

3.7 out of 5 (3 ratings)

More by Studs Terkel

Explore all 142 Studs Terkel quotes

More Book quotes

Browse all 29,381 Book quotes