Ambition Quote by Wendell Berry
“We have made it our overriding ambition to escape work, and as a consequence have debased work until it is only fit to escape from. We have debased the products of work and have been, in turn, debased by them. (pg. 43, "The Unsettling of America")”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Unsettling of America, 1979
We prioritize escaping work, devaluing it and the products it creates, which in turn degrades us.
In simple terms: Escaping work devalues both work and ourselves.
Key Takeaway
Revalue work to avoid self‑degradation.
Themes
work
values
society
culture
meaning
Mood
reflective
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
social commentary
When to use this quote
- career burnout
- consumer culture
- education reform
- personal fulfillment
- community building
Key Concepts
alienation
materialism
purpose
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we find meaning in work without feeling trapped?
- What practices restore dignity to labor?
A Different Perspective
Escaping work may be necessary for mental health, but total avoidance can erode purpose.
