Thomas Carlyle

Labour -Know Thy Work

Just from the title alone, I think we are able to see how high a regard Carlyle holds in work. Throughout the writing he gives examples of the importance of work. In the first paragraph he wrote: “Were he never so benighted, forgetful of his high calling, there is always hope in a man that actually and earnestly works: in Idleness alone is there perpetual despair”. (481). It also seems to me he does not believe in idle hands either. But it is the last paragraph of his writing that I was drawn to. “Blessed is he who has found his work; let him ask no other blessedness; He has a work, a life-purpose; he has found it, and will follow it!” (482). He was talking about having a passion for what we do in life. I think I identified with this so much because I made that type of a choice last year. I chose to leave my previous occupation to become a teacher. The previous job paid me much better than a teacher’s salary, but it was something that I wanted to do. One of the first things one of my professors told me when I entered the school was teachers do not go into this field for the money, it is a calling, and she was right. I think that is what Carlyle was saying here. Work is necessary, but you should find a job or “life-purpose” that you feel passionate about.