Free Write: Connections between alienated labor and the absurd

12 November 2015

The Absurd

Expo 1213 - What is Work?

Maddy Payne

What connections do you/can you make/see between alienated labor (or alienation) and the absurd? 

THE connections between alienated labor and the absurd come in the form of doing meaningless work that does not satisfy anyone or anything and trying to find inherent value there but not discovering any. 

Many people today perform work that alienates them from the work itself.  When people get up in the morning it is like the same routine everyday over and over again.  It is somewhat robotic and what used to be pleasant become monotonous.  However, this idea is also ironic because the individual can be alone in the world while he or she is constantly surrounded by people.  

You are alienated from work, which alienates you, and then work becomes your identity.  

My brain hurts.