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About this quote

What does it mean?
One must work, if not for pleasure, at least out of despair, because work is less boring than amusement.
In plain terms
Work is less dull than fun, so do it even if you don’t enjoy it.
What can you take from it?
Find purpose in work to avoid boredom.

Where it applies

  • career
  • creative projects
  • daily routine

Putting it to work

  • set goals
  • schedule tasks
  • reflect on meaning

Questions to consider

  • What makes work feel less boring than play?
  • How can work be meaningful without despair?

Another view

It may glorify forced labor over healthy leisure.

More from Charles Baudelaire

  1. Etre un homme utile m'a paru toujours quelque chose de bien hideux.

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  2. Il y a dans tout homme, a toute heure, deux postulations simultanees, l'une vers Dieu, l'autre vers Satan.

    Permalink to quote #42
  3. La femme est naturelle, c'est-a-dire abominable.

    Permalink to quote #39

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