Quote by Mark Twain
he would now have comprehended that work consists of whatever a body is obliged to do, and that play consists of whaterver a body is not obliged to do. And this would help him to understand why construcing artificial flowers or performing on a tread-mill, is work, whilst rolling nine-pins or climbing Mont Blanc is only amusement. There are wealthy gentlemen in England who drive four-horse passenger-coaches twenty or thirty miles on a daily line, in the summer, because the privilege costs them consideralbe money; but if they were offered wages for the service that would turn it into work, then they would resign.
Summary
This quote suggests that the distinction between work and play lies in obligation. It argues that work is defined as tasks that individuals are obligated to do, whereas play refers to activities that are not obligatory. The example given contrasts activities such as constructing artificial flowers or performing on a treadmill, which are considered work, with activities like rolling nine-pins or climbing Mont Blanc, which are seen as leisure. It further emphasizes this point by highlighting wealthy gentlemen in England who willingly drive passenger-coaches for leisure purposes, but would resign if it became an obligatory job.
Topics
Human Nature
By Mark Twain
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