Work: A Matter of Attitude

The balance between work and leisure, play and pleasure is always of interest. Precise appraisals appear to be impossible, because what is work to one is pleasure to another, and what is work at one time may be relaxation at another. And the difference finally comes down to a matter of attitude. But as to excessive leisure and play and pleasure, we cite from A. Lawrence Lowell this significant sentence: “I know of no occupation in life more barren of results than the permanent seeking of pleasure.” If we’re not working, we can’t quit. If we’re already over-relaxing, work may be the best way of avoiding boredom. Old-fashioned and unmodern as it may seem to say so, it is still and always true that the greatest satisfactions of life come in giving ourselves in good and needed and sincere and dedicated service. On this subject Dr. Albert Schweitzer said: “Often people say, ‘I would like to do some good in the world, but with so many responsibilities at home and in business, my nose is always to the grindstone. I am sunk in my own petty affairs, and there is no chance for my life to mean anything.’ This is a common and dangerous error. In helpfulness to others, every man [the young and the old] can find on his own doorstep adventures for the soul⎯…true peace and lifelong satisfaction. To know this happiness, one does not have to neglect duties or do spectacular things…. What the world lacks most today is men who occupy themselves with the needs of other men. In this unselfish labor a blessing falls on both the helper and the helped.” With his life of example to offer as evidence, this statement from Dr. Schweitzer is convicting. “Each [one],” said Brigham Young, “will find that happiness in this world mainly depends on the work he does, and the way in which he does it.” “…only through dedicated work does a man fulfill himself.” To close with a citation from Charles Kingsley: “Thank God every morning when you get up that you have something to do that day which must be done whether you like it or not.”