Labor Is Life
Illustration★★★★There is a perennial nobleness, and even sacredness, in work. Were he ever 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... . The latest gospel in this world is, Know thy work and do it... . It has been written, “An endless significance lies in work.” A man perfects himself by working. Foul jungles are cleared away, fair seed-fields rise instead, and stately cities. . 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. . . . Labor is life.
The point
A passage (likely Carlyle) celebrating work as sacred and noble: the worker perfects themselves, clears jungles, builds cities, and finds life's purpose through labor.