Is Working 90 Hours a Week Wise? A Philosophical Take on Life and Balance

 Recently, the chairman of L&T reportedly advised working 90 hours a week to achieve success. While this advice may seem motivating to some, it begs the question: is it wise to dedicate such an overwhelming amount of time to work? And more importantly, what kind of life would one lead by embracing such a schedule?


The Pursuit of Success: At What Cost?


On the surface, working long hours may seem like the recipe for professional success. The logic is straightforward: more time at work equals more productivity, which leads to promotions, higher income, and recognition. But is this the full picture?


When we look closer, we see that success isn't always about the quantity of work, but its quality. Working excessively might lead to burnout, physical and mental exhaustion, and a strained personal life. Human beings are not machines, and there are only so many hours in a day where focus and energy can be sustained. In the long term, a grueling work schedule can compromise one's well-being, relationships, and even creativity. So, while it might lead to financial gains, it can be detrimental to personal happiness and fulfillment.


The Role of Work-Life Balance


The concept of work-life balance is not just a trendy buzzword—it’s crucial for a well-rounded and sustainable life. Life is about more than just work; it includes spending time with family, pursuing personal interests, cultivating relationships, and reflecting on one's purpose. If work consumes 90 hours a week, when does one have the time to enjoy these aspects of life?


This brings us to the philosophical angle. Many philosophical traditions emphasize the importance of balance and self-care. The ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle spoke about the "Golden Mean," the idea that virtue lies between extremes. In the context of work and life, this could be interpreted as finding a balance between ambition and rest, productivity and leisure, labor and reflection. Overworking to the point of exhaustion goes against this principle of balance.


In Eastern philosophy, particularly in Buddhism, there is an emphasis on mindfulness and living in the present moment. If a person is consumed by endless work, they are missing the richness of life—the beauty of moments, the joy of relationships, and the wisdom that comes from stillness. A life spent in perpetual motion without time for reflection or inner peace may lead to regret, as one realizes that time itself was wasted in pursuit of an elusive goal.


The Human Element: Can We Live Like Machines?


When we discuss working long hours, it’s easy to forget that humans are not designed to operate like machines. Unlike artificial systems, we need rest, connection, and time for introspection. The very essence of being human is to experience emotions, grow intellectually, and evolve socially.


When one works excessively, these essential aspects of human life often get sidelined. Creativity suffers, physical health declines, and mental clarity fades. The mind and body need rest to recharge and process experiences. Just like a battery, if you drain it continuously without recharging, it will lose its effectiveness. Similarly, humans need time to recharge to be truly productive and happy.


A Life Beyond Work


Philosophically speaking, the ultimate question we should ask ourselves is: what is the purpose of life? Is it to work relentlessly for wealth and recognition, or is it to experience life in its fullness? The pursuit of meaning, contentment, and connection is what ultimately defines a good life.


Working hard and striving for success is important, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of everything else that makes life worth living. Time spent with loved ones, indulging in hobbies, or simply being still and reflective can be just as valuable, if not more so, than any career milestone. Achieving true success is about balance—balancing hard work with personal time, ambition with self-care, and career goals with life goals.


Conclusion: Striving for Balance, Not Extremes


In conclusion, while the L&T chairman's advice may resonate with those who view success through a narrow lens of career achievement, it’s essential to remember that life is not solely about work. Working 90 hours a week might lead to short-term gains, but it may also rob us of the things that truly make life meaningful: relationships, health, creativity, and personal growth.


Life, as the philosopher Socrates once said, is not about existing, but about living well. To live well is to embrace both hard work and moments of rest, both success and reflection. So, perhaps the true wisdom lies not in pushing ourselves beyond our limits, but in finding a sustainable and fulfilling balance. After all, the goal isn’t just to work hard but to live fully.


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