THE DIGNITY OF LABOUR

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20734, 18 February 1939, Page 15 (Supplement)

THE DIGNITY OF LABOUR

A class of college students tittered when their professor one morning recommended dish-washing as a pleasurable occupation. They had not developed his point of view, and the suggestion, therefore, impressed them as rather ridiculous. The professor’s wife was an invalid. Wishing to relieve her as much as possible he undertook, among other duties, to wash the dishes. What at first seemed like a menial job gradually developed into a pleasant pastime. He took delight in polishing the dishes to see how shining he could make them. His point of view turned drudgery into a pleasant relaxation. true it is that what is worth doing at all is worth doing well. The professor observed this injunction and as a consequence he not only materially helped his invalid wife but also he demonstrated the dignity of the commonplace.

We make or unmake ourselves through our work. The spirit in which we perform a task car. impart dignity to the commonplace. ..One who sweeps and dusts may be rendering a service quite as essential as that of a statesman or a national hero. Just as in genuine culture, society and solitude both have a place, so in the life of every man there should be ample space for the commonplace. Life is largely made up of so-called common things—ordinary, often monotonous, duties and tasks—but the vital thing is to do everything, small or great, in a spirit of willingness and gratitude. Sanity of mind depends upon all-round expression of a man’s faculties and abilities. Readiness to do a menial task when necessary, fits a man for the larger duty when it comes. There is really nothing commonplace to a magnanimous mind.—Grenville Kleiser.