I need to feel like the work I'm doing is not necessarily important, but meaningful, at least to me, because otherwise it just becomes a day job. It just becomes factory work and I get really frustrated.
Alan BallRead
In an ideal world, nobody's work would be just about the money. People could pursue excellence in what they do, take pride in achievement, and derive meaning from knowing that their work improved the lives of others.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Work should be motivated by a desire for excellence and making a positive impact, rather than just financial gain.
This quote by Barry Schwartz emphasizes the importance of finding purpose and fulfillment in one's work beyond monetary compensation. It suggests that an ideal work environment would allow individuals to strive for excellence, take pride in their accomplishments, and find personal meaning in how their contributions positively affect others' lives.
Themes
WorkExcellencePurposeMeaningAchievement
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about job satisfaction.
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Alan ArkinRead