What remains when work is removed from life?

The article delves into the profound impact of work on personal identity, using Kazuo Ishiguro's novel "The Remains of the Day" as a central example. It highlights the cautionary tale of Stevens, a butler who dedicates his life to his profession, to the point where his sense of self becomes indistinguishable from his role as a "great butler."

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Those who look like reporters when you see reporters, like detectives when you see detectives, and like prosecutors when you see prosecutors are ruined by labor. If you can't get a sense of what they do for a living, that person is a complete human being.

Drawing on a quote from author Kim Hoon, who stated that individuals who appear too much like their profession are "ruined by labor," the piece suggests that an over-identification with one's job can erode one's true self. The author recounts a personal experience of realizing how little of herself remained when her professional identity as a journalist was removed, leading to a sense of bewilderment.

Stevens' story illustrates this phenomenon vividly. His unwavering commitment to "dignity", maintaining his professional composure under all circumstances, prevents him from expressing personal feelings, even for Miss Kenton, a housekeeper he clearly cares for. His private life becomes a hidden aspect, overshadowed by his professional persona. This rigid adherence to his role, while seemingly upholding professional standards, ultimately leads to a stunted emotional life and a loss of personal connection.

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The desire to serve the great gentlemen who were in charge of civilization was exceptional.

The narrative further explores how Stevens rationalizes and defends his employer's potentially problematic actions, even after learning of his association with Nazism. This defense stems from his deep-seated identification with his employer and his own life's work, making it difficult for him to confront the reality of his life's dedication. It is only near the end of his journey that Stevens experiences a moment of emotional release, weeping and reflecting on his past.

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Dignity, the ability to not abandon one's professional existence in any situation.

The article concludes by reflecting on the increasing number of people reaching retirement age who have lived lives deeply intertwined with their professions. It poses the question of what remains when work is removed from life, suggesting that for those who have not learned to separate their roles from their identities, the "remains of the day" might be a lonely and regretful existence, serving as a somber warning.

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Work after work, and then more work awaits.