Studs Terkel: Monday – Friday Dying
on Monday, May 22, 2017Studs Terkel Money Quote saying working has far more significance to everyone than we realize and can be seen through a different lens. Studs Terkel said:
“Work is about a search for daily meaning as well as daily bread, for recognition as well as cash, for astonishment rather than torpor; in short, for a sort of life rather than a Monday through Friday sort of dying” — Studs Terkel
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In this quote, Studs Terkel is emphasizing the deeper psychological and social importance of work beyond just earning a paycheck. By stating that work provides “daily meaning” and “recognition” in addition to “daily bread” and “cash”, Terkel implies jobs should nourish the human spirit, not just the body. He suggests work should inspire “astonishment” rather than lifeless “torpor”.
The interpretation is that Terkel viewed fulfilling jobs as those that give life vibrancy and purpose each day rather than simply ensuring survival through routine tasks. Terkel’s perspective conveys that meaningful work allows people to truly feel alive rather than just passing time until the weekend.
The overall message is that Terkel believed the best employment kindles the human experience through interest, engagement with others, and a sense of contribution that makes each day worthwhile – not a dreary, unstimulating grind just to earn income.