Our labour preserves us from three great evils -- weariness, vice, and want.

Voltaire
About This Quote

Our labour preserves us from three great evils -- weariness, vice, and want. It is because our labour preserves us from these three evils that we may be said to live. For, if the labours of the people were not incessant, if they did not constantly besiege us with their demands, in vain would our labours be employed in preserving us from weariness, vice, and want; in vain would all the art in nature be employed in creating for us pleasant objects to gaze upon. Therefore it is that our labours are constantly employed in preserving us from weariness; for it is not possible for any one to be weary without labouring; it is impossible to be weary without frequent exertion.

It is because our labours are incessant that we are preserved from vices; for when all men work incessantly there can be no time for anyone to commit any evil act. And it is because our labours are incessant that we are preserved from want; for as soon as we have accomplished some good thing we come forth and make some other good thing.

Source: Candide

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