Sophia99

Work as an Essential Part of Human Life 

Work is one of the defining aspects of human existence. Some people believe they have a choice when it comes to work, but in reality, very few truly do. Whether or not we acknowledge it, everyone is compelled to work, sometimes by necessity, sometimes through societal expectations, and sometimes by love or duty. Even at this very moment, I am working by writing this essay, striving to complete it on time and with quality. Although I may not want to do this, I care about doing it well. Through my effort, I hope to show my teachers that their work matters too. 

This essay argues that work is not only unavoidable but also essential for personal dignity, community survival, and spiritual growth. Drawing on Henry David Thoreau’s Walden, Kazuo Ishiguro’s The Remains of the Day, and the documentary Free Solo, I will explore how work manifests in different forms, physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual and why it remains central to human identity. 

The Inevitability of Work 

Many people view work as a punishment; a burden placed upon humanity as a result of the biblical story of Adam and Eve. In Genesis, Adam and Eve are expelled from Eden and told they must labor: Adam by cultivating the land and Eve through the pain of childbirth and the care of her family. Because of this, work is often seen as a condemnation. 

However, even if Adam and Eve had never been exiled, they would still have needed to work. They would have had to gather food, build shelter and furniture, and raise their children. Work is therefore not simply a curse; it is a fundamental part of survival. It existed before the Fall, it exists now, and it will exist in the future. As Thoreau writes in Walden, “Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit” (Thoreau 87). Even something as simple as appreciating a season requires conscious action. Work is embedded in every aspect of life, from the mundane routines of self-care to the profound effort of raising families and sustaining communities. 

Those who appear to reject conventional labor cannot escape work. For example, drug dealers and criminals may seem to be living the “easy life,” but they must constantly plan, protect their status, and secure their survival. Similarly, sex workers engage in labor that some view as an “escape” from traditional jobs, but their work is deeply demanding emotionally, physically, and psychologically. Work comes in many forms, but it always requires effort. 

Work Beyond Employment 

When we talk about work, it is easy to focus on paid jobs or careers. However, work encompasses much more than financial labor. It includes the mental, emotional, and spiritual tasks necessary to sustain a healthy life and community. A brain that does not “work” begins to decay; a mind that does not engage with the world stagnates. Work is therefore essential for personal growth and survival. 

Even love involves work. Offering a compliment, forgiving an enemy, or extending kindness to a stranger takes thought, courage, and risk. As Thoreau reflects, “Rather than love, than money, than fame, give me truth” (Thoreau 64). While Thoreau values truth above all, love and truth themselves require continual effort to nurture. Similarly, maintaining daily routines, waking up, preparing meals, caring for oneself, fulfilling responsibilities, demands discipline. These repetitive tasks may become boring, especially when done alone, but they are fundamental acts of work that preserve dignity and structure in life. 

Work in Literature: Thoreau and Ishiguro 

Thoreau’s Walden presents work as both a practical necessity and a spiritual endeavor. He writes, “Books are the treasured wealth of the world and the fit inheritance of generations and nations” (Thoreau 112). This statement highlights the intellectual labor involved in reading and writing. Books are not merely objects; they are the result of countless hours of human effort and creativity, passed down as a legacy for future generations. Reading them is also work, requiring concentration and reflection. 

In contrast, Kazuo Ishiguro’s The Remains of the Day offers a more somber portrayal of work. The protagonist, Mr. Stevens, devotes his entire life to service as a butler, adhering to strict professionalism and etiquette. While Stevens is undeniably hardworking, his devotion traps him in a “box” of routine and duty. By focusing solely on his role, he neglects his personal desires and relationships. As one character reflects, “If you are under the impression, you have already perfected yourself, you will never rise to the heights you are no doubt capable of” (Ishiguro 43). Ishiguro’s novel raises a haunting question: Can work become so consuming that it prevents us from truly living? Stevens’ tragedy suggests that not all forms of work lead to fulfillment. 

Work in Action: Free Solo 

The documentary Free Solo provides a modern, real-world example of work’s complexity. Alex Honnold dedicates his life to the dangerous and demanding pursuit of free solo climbing. His quest for perfection requires extraordinary physical conditioning, mental preparation, and emotional focus. When Honnold achieves a monumental goal, he feels restless and immediately seeks new challenges. This illustrates how work can become an endless cycle, driven by ambition rather than satisfaction. 

At the same time, Honnold’s wife, Sanni, undertakes her own form of work. She labors emotionally to support their relationship, protect her family’s future, and reconcile her fear for Honnold’s safety with her love for him. The film demonstrates that work is not always visible or celebrated, yet it is equally vital. 

Conclusion: Work as Human Identity 

From Thoreau’s philosophical reflections to Ishiguro’s tragic narrative, and from Honnold’s daring climbs to Sanni’s quiet struggles, the evidence is clear: work is universal. It is not limited to earning money or holding a job; it encompasses every effort we make to grow, connect, and survive. Babies “work,” they are constantly developing and learning. Even God, in the act of sustaining creation, works continuously. 

Work is life, and life is work. While its forms may vary, physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual, it remains the thread that binds humanity together. We will work until the day we die, but if we engage thoughtfully and purposefully, we may reach the end of our lives able to say that it was all worth it.