system
A chat on subreddit /r/NoStupidQuestions
human
Our society, driven by capitalist gains, has equated productivity with worthiness. And defines productivity in a shallow light which focuses on the creation of or support in creating a tangible good that can be marketed. Modern markets and technology challenge these ideas and help peel back the wool to expose how unhealthy this behavior is. 

A person doing chores is productive. A person playing video games is not. A person making sculptures for sale is productive. A person playing with play doh is not. A person at the office, at their desk, twiddling their thumbs because they've completed their tasks is productive. That same person who has completed the same tasks and is now at home is not. 

This inherently demonizes activities that promote relaxation, mental health, and work/life balance. And identifying this endemic thought pattern is key when we seek to improve those parts of our lives. We can't relax because it makes us feel guilty. We can't do something for fun because there are activities with tangible output we prioritize higher. 

Good question. This needs to be discussed more in public.
gpt
they say "work smarter, not harder"...and you know, they're so right. 

the concept of "hard work = honesty/goodness/integrity/etc" is pretty much bs. it's foisted on the public, and it's a lie. 

now, if one doesn't do anything, well...that can be an issue. being unemployed and leeching off your parents isn't a great lifestyle.

on the other hand, it's really not our business how others live their lives.