[farleykr]

To me, work is inherently noble. It's the forces that corrupt it that are the problem, not work itself. Getting to enjoy work is an unfortunately rare blessing but I also think enjoyment of work is more dependent on the individual's mindset about their work than we often are willing to admit. It's a very complicated puzzle.

[inkcapmushroom]

I don't understand what's inherently noble about being paid X dollars to sit at a desk and do something useless to society at large so my employer can make X*5 dollars.

[farleykr]

All the things you mentioned are what I mean by the forces that corrupt work. Yes we should be paid for our work, within reason. And we should get to do things that are inherently useful to others. But if you're doing something that's useless to society and your employer is exploiting that work then you're experiencing corrupted work. Not that it is easy to find in the world, but I am of the opinion that the core essence of work is making order out of disorder. You can do that by building pacemakers or tilling fields. There will always be things that corrupt work, unfortunately. But work, unadulterated, is a good thing. I'd be willing to bet that you have something you like do do that can be characterized as making order out of disorder, even if it's not at your job. That is work and it is good.

[inkcapmushroom]

Thank you for the explanation, which gives me a better idea of what you were talking about. It's definitely food for thought for those like me in pointless jobs.

[farleykr]

No sweat. I definitely don't want to downplay the reality of your frustrations with your job. It's just that the many facets of the topic of work are very meaningful to me and I have a lot of strong convictions about it. How to enjoy work or find meaning in it is a whole other conversation but I'm truly sorry your job sucks.

[Shorel]

This sounds a lot like Star Trek TNG. At least Picard has said something similar.

In a post-scarcity society, people work to elevate themselves.

[a9h74j]

For different definitions of 'elevate'. For example, some will seek power, which will still be scarcer for others.