“Never permit a dichotomy to rule your life, a dichotomy in which you hate what you do so you can have pleasure in your spare time. Look for a situation in which your work will give you as much happiness as your spare time.”
- October 25, 1881 – April 8, 1973
- Born in Spain
- Painter, sculptor, printmaker
- Founder of Cubism, he had a revolutionary influence on 20th century art, leaving behind masterpieces such as “Guernica”
Quote
“Never permit a dichotomy to rule your life, a dichotomy in which you hate what you do so you can have pleasure in your spare time. Look for a situation in which your work will give you as much happiness as your spare time.”
Explanation
In this quote, Picasso encourages the idea of integrating work and pleasure, rather than compartmentalizing life into two opposing areas: work, which is hated, and leisure, which is enjoyed. He challenges the conventional idea that work must be something tolerable or endured, while happiness only comes during spare time. Picasso believed that true fulfillment comes when work is aligned with passion and purpose, where the act of creating and engaging in one’s profession brings as much joy as leisure activities. For Picasso, his art was not just a job—it was his source of personal expression and joy, making it deeply fulfilling and meaningful. He was constantly pushing boundaries and evolving, never seeing his art as something to be endured but as a way to express himself and find happiness.
This idea remains highly relevant today, especially in the modern world where many people struggle with the divide between their work and personal lives. The rise of burnout and the pressures of balancing career and leisure often lead to the mindset that work is something to be tolerated, while true pleasure is found in spare time. Picasso’s perspective encourages us to rethink this dichotomy, suggesting that it’s possible—and desirable—to find a career or creative outlet that is both satisfying and joyful, where the act of working is as fulfilling as the moments of relaxation.
An example of this can be seen in the lives of modern entrepreneurs and artists, such as Richard Branson, who turned his passion for adventure and business into a career that brings him both success and happiness. Similarly, musicians like David Bowie or Prince never separated their work from their personal joy, constantly evolving their art in a way that was both fulfilling and aligned with their passion. Picasso’s quote reminds us that when our work aligns with our true passions, it no longer feels like a chore, and life becomes an integrated pursuit of both purpose and happiness.
