[dpoloncsak]

Is 'the work' not reflected in 'consequences' in terms of theft?

I'm not sure how to convey this idea properly...Can't you view the repercussions of theft (Legal action, distrust, etc) as 'work' being put in? Sure, it's a different kind of work, but while I have a lack of motivation to want to work to buy a Lambo as I find them not worth the value, I also have a lack of motivation to steal a Lambo as I find it not worth the consequences.

[dylan604]

In normal society, people earn money within the legal confines of the society they are in. If you're a thief and trying to skirt that normal "earning of money", which is what normal people equate to "work", your work is scheming a plan to obtain the item without getting caught and possibly how to fence the item for money if you're not just using the item directly.

Equating "work" as the repercussions is looking at things in strange way. That's just punishment for "working" outside of the legal confines of society.

[ImPostingOnHN]

I understand what you are saying but nonetheless struggle to view the possibility of maybe getting caught and then maybe getting punished, as "work". It (the abstract concept of something possibly happening) fits into none of the definitions of "work" I have heard. Moreover, many crimes are committed without the perpetrator even thinking of the consequences.

Consider an alternative viewpoint: rather than contorting the definition of "work" in such a way and convincing everyone to accept the new definition, we might instead be content saying "someone can want a thing, even very badly, without wanting to put in the work for it."

[dpoloncsak]

Oh, I'm with you mate, I'm not trying to die on a hill over here re-defining 'work'. I was just looking from a more esoteric view, "Do you count the risk of consequences as potential effort" I think is at least more proper phrasing.

[DANmode]

“Effort” is a great wordchoice.