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It's almost a blessing when we meet people who naturally want to do the sort of things that are in high demand in society. What a gift to do that, as opposed to other people who would say, 'I want to be a novelist but actually I have to be an accountant.'
Alain De Botton
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Finding work that aligns with one’s passions is a true blessing.

Alain De Botton emphasizes the joy and privilege of engaging in work that resonates with one's natural interests and societal needs. He contrasts this with the disappointment of having to pursue careers that do not fulfill personal aspirations, highlighting the importance of aligning one's career with one's true passions.

Themes

PassionCareerBlessingHappinessSociety

In practice

Example use cases

During a career fair, to encourage students to pursue their passions.

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Good books put a finger on emotions that are deeply our own - but that we could never have described on our own.
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It is the most ambitious and driven among us who are the most sorely in need of having our reckless hopes dampened through immersive dousings in the darkness which religions have explored. This is a particular priority for secular Americans, perhaps the most anxious and disappointed people on earth, for their nation infuses them with the most extreme hopes about what they may be able to achieve in their working lives and relationships.
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