Column by Zorana Baković: Long Live Work!

This column, "Long Live Work!" by Zoran Baković, delves into the profound transformation of labor, workplaces, and professional relationships. It challenges the conventional view of work, urging readers to consider the source of their motivation and the quality of their output.

At its core, the piece is a meditation on the philosophy of work, drawing heavily on the wisdom of Kahlil Gibran. Gibran's words serve as a powerful reminder that work is not merely a means to an end, but an expression of love and dedication. The analogy of different crafts—from stonemasonry to shoemaking—highlights that nobility and value are not inherent in the task itself, but in the spirit with which it is undertaken.

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If you work with resistance and not with love, it would be better to stop and rather sit at the gates of the sanctuary, where you receive alms from those who work with joy.

The central message is clear: work performed with resistance or obligation will inevitably yield bitter results, akin to receiving meager charity from those who work with joy. This perspective encourages a re-evaluation of our professional lives, prompting us to seek work that aligns with our passions. It suggests that true satisfaction and a meaningful contribution arise only when we pour our hearts into what we do, transforming labor into a labor of love.

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Bread that you bake with indifference will be bitter and will only half-satisfy a man's hunger.