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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 68

Section II. Of Labour

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Section II. Of Labour.

2. Q. What is meant by honest toil?

A. By honest toil is meant labour of any kind which is honest in itself and is honestly performed.

3. Q. Why is labour a duty?

A. Labour is a duty because it supplies the necessities of our existence.

4. Q. How does labour supply our necessities?

A. The food we eat, the clothes we wear, the houses we live in—almost everything we use—are the result of labour performed either by ourselves or by others on our behalf.

5. Q. And what is to be inferred from this?

A. We learn from this that a life of active and intelligent labour is the lot of man.

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6. Q. What other advantages are there in labour?

A. Besides supplying our wants labour exercises and strengthens both body and mind; it also prevents the energies being wasted in idleness or evil pursuits. Therefore even those who are not compelled to work should seek out an occupation which would suitably employ them.

7. Q. What kinds of work are there?

A. Work may be with the mind, or the hand, or with both. As from the nature of things there is an endless variety of occupations, so are people of different minds and inclinations fitted for them.

8. Q. Is all labour of equal merit?

A. No. Labour is meritorious according to the skill and knowledge required, and the responsibility involved; but all honest toil, whether with the mind or hand, is honourable and dignified.

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9. Q. What then constitutes the dignity of labour?

A. Labour is dignified by the cheerful and faithful discharge of the duties involved, whatever may be their nature.

10. Q. How should you regard labour generally?

A. As labour is the lot of man I should be contented with the position in life I may for the time being hold, and faithfully discharge its duties.

11. Q. .But should you not aspire to something better?

A. Whilst faithfully discharging my duties, I should endeavour by study, application and skill to lit myself for a higher position whenever it may be open to me.

12. Q. But is there not something further required?

A. I should always act in a way that will page 5 merit the confidence and trust of others, by being honest to all, loyal to my employer, and by cheerfully doing my work with all the skill and energy I possess.