In thinking about the distinction between 'work' and the stuff that we do at most 'jobs' I keep thinking back to an image left with me by Michael Foley's Age of Absurdity.
Even those not familiar with the name Sysphius probably know his story. A Greek king punished by the Gods to roll a huge stone up a hill each day for the rest of his life.
In many ways life is much like this. It's absurd. Trying to find real a depth of meaning is a recipe for frustration. But its all we have. And its through developing an appreciation of the process that we can find some satisfaction.
Life may be like rolling a huge stone uphill each day. But if we truly feel each contour of the rock, feel each sinew of our muscle, truly throw ourselves into this pointless task, then we might just get something out of the experience.
If I ever get a tattoo, then this will be it. But for now, I think I'd be well advised take a leaf out of Sysphius's book, stop tying my self up in knots about the futility of it all and try to get as much as I can out of a job well done.
No comments:
Post a Comment