Why do we work at all? That question was one of the central concepts in a recent episode of the Federalist Radio Hour called "Finding Purpose In Modern Work.”
When asked why we work… Author David Bahnsen… .that we should do a better job understanding economically what work is…
“One of the things we have to do a better job of is just understanding economically what work is,” said Bahnsen. “When someone says it's a futile endeavor, it's meaningless. It's not doing anything. I get that it can feel that way.”
“It can feel mundane,” continues Bahnsen. “It is categorically untrue, though. There's anybody out there paying you to do something that's meaningless. It may be tedious to you, but it is serving some purpose in the value creation process. We produce goods and services that meet the needs of humanity or we don't get paid. And I believe that some people may say, okay, well, I'm just sitting here putting widgets in a box and on one level I would say, okay, you might be helping a million people right now.
He argues that all work serves the needs of humanity.
“But I am suggesting that all work is meaningful there,” said Bahnsen. “All work is serving the needs of humanity at one level or another, and where somebody wishes they had a different opportunity, I think they need to start with where their skills are. The person who says, I have an office job, I get paid pretty well, I go to work, I do my deal.”
For humans, he says, knowing we’re good at our work is often paramount.
“When people compliment us all the time, pay us, give us bonuses, give us promotions,” continued Bahnsen. “You know, when you're good at something, you end up loving it. And I think that that has got to be the focus as opposed to something a little bit more romantic.”
Well, I can’t help but be romantic about the ways I spend most of my days. Even though it often leads to disappointment.
You can find Bahnsen’s book "Full-Time: Work and the Meaning of Life,"
And hear the whole co..
