Work Can Only Be a Tool

Tyler Cowen, at Marginal Revolution, points to an essay titled “Buyer’s Remorse." The essay, written by Daniel Akst, casts it eye on anti-materialism, comparing Alger and Thoreau.

Both Akst and Cowen note the seeming contradiction between Thoreau’s words, and his actions.  A money earner, who disdained materialism in his written words.  Does that mean I cannot disdain materialism unless I am a pauper, or, of very limited means?  Work is highly overrated, but it is a great tool to achieve what one desires, whether that be possessions, or leisure for other pursuits.

Posted by on 08/17 at 06:23 PM

  1. John Venlet: Work is highly overrated, but it is a great tool to achieve what one desires, whether that be possessions, or leisure for other pursuits.

    I’m not sure if it was your intention, but you seem to be omitting the possibility that Work and Leisure could be one and the same?

    In other words, isn’t it possible that a person could engage in an activity that they enjoy (i.e. Leisure activity) and earn material possesions at the same time?

    I mean some people like to paint simply because they like to paint. Does the fact that people will pay money for their paintings make the experience of painting them less enjoyable?

    As another example, I get the distinct impression that an individual like Rush Limbaugh would be expounding and preaching his opinions and observations regardless of whether anyone paid him for it or not (he just wouldn’t be doing it on the radio if he wasn’t being paid for it). 

    Posted by  on  08/19  at  10:45 AM

  2. Granted, work and leisure could be one and the same for certain individuals.

    Posted by  on  08/19  at  05:09 PM

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