However powerful our technology and complex our corporations, the most remarkable feature of the modern working world may in the end be internal, consisting in an aspect of our mentalities: in the widely held belief that our work should make us happy. All societies have had work at their centre; ours is the first to suggest that it could be something more than a punishment or a penance. Ours is the first to imply that we should seek to work even in the absence of a financial imperative.

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About Alain de Botton

Alain de Botton was a contemporary British author. Alain de Botton is a Swiss-born British author and public speaker. His books discuss various contemporary subjects and themes, emphasizing philosophy's relevance to everyday life. Read more on Wikipedia →

Themes

  • Happiness — Thoughts on finding joy, contentment, and fulfilment
  • Work — The value of effort, discipline, and meaningful labour

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