In our modern capitalist society, the reasons we work so hard often transcend the surface-level explanations of ambition, financial necessity, or professional fulfilment. Beneath these rationalisations lies a complex web of psychological, social, and cultural factors that drive our relentless pursuit of success and productivity.

The Fear of Uncertainty: One fundamental reason we push ourselves so hard is our aversion to the unpredictable. We crave structure and clear goals, shunning anything that lacks a defined purpose. Engaging with poetry, music etc., for instance, feels alien because it doesn’t fit neatly into our results-oriented mindset. The act of exploring open-ended questions threatens to lead us into unknown territories, where we might confront uncomfortable truths or be forced to abandon long-held beliefs.

The Flight from Sadness and Regret: Many of us are driven by an unspoken desire to escape from our own emotional pain. We immerse ourselves in work to avoid facing feelings of sadness, regret, and vulnerability. The busyness of our professional lives serves as a distraction, keeping us from confronting the parts of ourselves that are wounded or unfulfilled.

The Lack of Genuine Connection: In our quest for success, we often sacrifice real human connections. Relationships become transactional, measured by what they can bring us rather than the genuine bonds they could foster. We see material gain in everything, striving to fit in and climb to the top, often at the cost of our emotional well-being. Love and friendship become commodities, and social validation replaces true intimacy.

The Absence of True Companionship: Another reason we work so hard is the scarcity of real friends and meaningful companionship. Few people have experienced the quiet comfort of being held by someone who genuinely cares. In a world where productivity is valued above all else, we forget the importance of simply being present with others, sharing our lives without an agenda.

The Compulsion to Keep Running: Ultimately, many of us don’t know how to do anything but run. We fill our lives with activity to avoid the discomfort of stillness and introspection. The relentless pace of work gives us a sense of purpose and identity, even if it leaves us feeling hollow and disconnected.

Embracing the Moments: To break free from this cycle, we must learn to embrace the uncertainties of life. Allowing ourselves to engage with the uncharted and the poetic can open new dimensions of understanding and fulfillment. Building genuine connections, seeking real friends, and facing our emotional struggles head-on can lead to a more balanced and meaningful existence.

Finally, the real reason we work so hard is deeply rooted in our fears, desires, and social conditioning. By acknowledging and addressing these underlying factors, we can begin to find a healthier, more sustainable way to live and work.