Grind culture & the guilt of leisure

Societies, especially in capitalist economies, often place a high value on hard work and constant productivity. Success is frequently measured by output, and leisure can be seen as the opposite of productivity, creating guilt or pressure to always be “busy.” This isn’t necessarily reflective of human nature but rather of how societies have been structured around economic systems that demand productivity.

Humans also derive a sense of purpose, identity, and fulfillment from work, especially when the work aligns with their passions or helps them contribute to society. This drive for meaning and accomplishment suggests that humans have an innate desire to work in some capacity, but not necessarily in a way that aligns with the modern conception of constant busyness.

Anonymous