From 1904 until 2001, Clifton Fadiman, a well-known American author and literary critic, lived. He was well-known for his wit and knowledge, and he frequently considered the realities of life and work. The idea that our daily efforts are primarily motivated by the necessity to survive is a moving reflection that encapsulates a significant aspect of the human experience.

Fadiman's viewpoint is comparable to the unrelenting churn of a millstone turning grain into flour—it never stops turning, signifying the ongoing work necessary simply to continue. The essence of Fadiman's observation is captured in this picture: meeting basic needs like food and shelter requires a lot of hard work.

Fadiman's wisdom comes from his personal experiences and social observations rather than just philosophy. He realized that a lot of people work on projects throughout the day not because they are passionate about them but just because they give them a way to survive. This idea makes us think about how much of our lives we spend simply meeting our basic needs.

Fadiman challenges us to think about what goes beyond basic survival in a world where work frequently seems never-ending and occasionally soul-crushing. He challenges readers to consider whether pursuing passions or improving the standard of living are two ways to find meaning in their work.

Fadiman promotes a greater understanding of the difficulties and benefits that come with human endeavor by highlighting the essential role that labor plays in maintaining existence.