but this has nothing to do with my salvation, signs of my predestination
or any concept I have of an obligation to society. Just because I think hard work is important, and protestants also feel the same way, doesn't make my work ethic a protestant one.
( Grrrmachine the indifference engine, Thu 9 Jun 2011, 20:26, archived)

Now wait, this is getting even sillier,
you think hard work is important even though it's not an obligation to society? Then what the fuck IS it for then?

I would put it to you that work isn't important for its own sake, but only for the sake of something of value. It isn't important to dig holes all day and then fill them in again just because you've got some time to spare and nothing else to do.
( Moon Girl Technologies horrendous beanbag, Thu 9 Jun 2011, 20:28, archived)

hah, that's riled you
the idea that work can be valued in and of itself, without any external quantifier.

The man who builds a matchstick model of the Statue of Liberty, should he be praised? His years of hard work achieved nothing.
( Grrrmachine the indifference engine, Thu 9 Jun 2011, 20:33, archived)

Presumably he did it for fun.
I've got nothing against people doing things for fun. (In general.)
( Moon Girl Technologies horrendous beanbag, Thu 9 Jun 2011, 20:37, archived)