“Work keeps at bay three great evils: boredom, vice, and need.”
This powerful statement comes from the brilliant mind of Voltaire. He was a leading writer and philosopher of the French Enlightenment. For centuries, his words have offered a profound yet practical perspective on the role of labor in human life. The quote suggests that work is more than just a way to earn a living. It serves as a fundamental shield against some of life’s most corrosive forces. But to truly understand its depth, we must explore its origin and the specific evils Voltaire identified.
The Origin: A Lesson from Candide
Voltaire’s famous line appears near the end of his satirical novella, Candide, or Optimism. Source This literary masterpiece was first published in 1759. The story follows a young, naive man named Candide. He travels the world experiencing immense hardship, disaster, and cruelty. These experiences directly challenge his tutor’s philosophy that we live in the “best of all possible worlds.”
After his brutal journey, Candide and his companions settle on a small farm. They debate philosophy endlessly, trying to make sense of their suffering. Finally, a simple Turkish farmer gives them some crucial advice. The farmer explains that he and his family work their land diligently. This work keeps them free from boredom, vice, and need. Taking this to heart, Candide concludes the novel with another famous line: “We must cultivate our garden.” The quote about work, therefore, provides the direct justification for this final, pragmatic philosophy.
Breaking Down the Three Great Evils
Voltaire was very specific about the problems that work solves. His choice of boredom, vice, and need provides a comprehensive look at the human condition. Each element represents a different type of threat to a fulfilling life. Understanding them is key to grasping the quote’s full meaning.
1. Boredom (L’ennui)
For Voltaire, boredom was not mere idleness. It was a deeper, more existential state of dissatisfaction and weariness known as ennui. An unoccupied mind can become a breeding ground for melancholy and despair. Work, in contrast, provides structure, purpose, and engagement. It focuses the mind on tasks and goals. This daily activity prevents the drift into aimless contemplation and the profound unhappiness that can accompany a lack of purpose. By giving us problems to solve and objectives to meet, work engages our intellect and spirit.
2. Vice (Le vice)
The old saying “idle hands are the devil’s workshop” captures Voltaire’s second point perfectly. He argued that a lack of productive activity often leads to vice. This doesn’t only refer to major moral failings. It also includes destructive habits, gossip, and petty conflicts that arise when people have too much unstructured time. When individuals are engaged in their labor, they have less opportunity and inclination for harmful behaviors. Furthermore, work can instill discipline, responsibility, and a sense of contribution. These qualities are natural antidotes to vice, promoting personal and social well-being.
3. Need (Le besoin)
This is the most practical and universal evil that work addresses. Need represents the fundamental requirements for survival. It includes the need for food, shelter, clothing, and security. Without work, individuals cannot provide for themselves or their families. They become vulnerable to poverty, hunger, and instability. Therefore, labor is the essential mechanism for meeting basic human needs. It provides the financial resources necessary for a stable and secure existence. This foundation of security is crucial before any higher pursuits can even be considered.
The Quote’s Relevance in the Modern World
Centuries after Voltaire wrote Candide, his wisdom remains incredibly relevant. In our modern society, these three evils persist, though they sometimes appear in different forms. For example, modern boredom can manifest as endless scrolling on social media, a passive consumption of content that leaves many feeling empty. Meaningful work provides an alternative, offering a chance to create, contribute, and achieve tangible results.
Similarly, the connection between unemployment and societal problems highlights the continuing threat of vice. A lack of opportunity can foster desperation and negative outcomes. Finally, while many have achieved a high standard of living, economic need remains a driving force for billions of people around the globe. The pursuit of work is still the primary way people seek to build a better life for themselves and their families. Voltaire’s simple statement reminds us that the value of work extends far beyond a paycheck. It is a pillar of a stable, purposeful, and dignified human life.