Why People Work

Humans are creatures of industry. While there are certain moments when one may choose to be idle, prolonged moments of idleness creates ill feelings in an individual. Our minds and our bodies crave stimulation, and there is no greater source of this than work.

While it is a common assumption that humans enjoy vacations and free time, it becomes apparent through simple observation that both vacations and free time are only enjoyable in the presence of a lengthy period of work; viewed in this way, they become not the object in itself but only the way in which one recharges one's batteries for work.

In addition to simple sustenance, this drive to work is basically tied to that of the human being's desire to influence his world in whatever way possible. We are physical creatures born to a physical universe; our needs and our wants are tied to this world and our position in it. When one works, one is not merely working for its own sake - although some enjoy work to such an extent that this is basically what happens - but to acquire and be in a position to acquire the resources one needs and wants.

However, when a human being is put into a position where one is unable to work, a deep malaise occurs. It is the human equivalent of being put in a cage. One finds himself believing less and less in one's usefulness in this world, becomes out of touch with one's purpose.

In addition to one's natural tendencies, we are also taught that to work is good, for it sustains not only the self but also others around the self. Thus, one who is unable to work is doubly doomed, both by his internal voice and by societal pressures.

Work is essentially a means of acquiring resource. Society has created a formalized and highly structured system of acquiring resource. One works, one gets money; this money is then used to acquire the materials needed for one's existence.

However, vast advances in technology has shifted the definition of work; it has effectively unformalized and even restructured the systems of work. The goal of work is ultimately money - money is not anymore limited to strict eight hour workdays but can be easily supplemented by avenues newly paved by new technology.

It is this shifting of thought and of expectations regarding work that has fueled the creativity of businesses for these past few decades; one only needs to be creative and motivated enough to figure out ways to keep oneself busy and satiate that ever present need to work.