Intaglio with a man harvesting wheat; on the reverse, Greek inscription: “I am working, but I am not suffering”. 1st–3rd centuries AD. BnF Museum [1000×750]
by Remote_Finish_9429
Intaglio with a man harvesting wheat; on the reverse, Greek inscription: “I am working, but I am not suffering”. 1st–3rd centuries AD. BnF Museum [1000×750]
by Remote_Finish_9429
5 Comments
https://medaillesetantiques.bnf.fr/ws/catalogue/app/collection/notices/record/ark:/12148/c33gb23wfw
Reverse psychology anyone?
Maybe it wasn’t a progressive emblem implying that work was slavery. Maybe it was in the Greek aka WESTERN CIVILIZATION culture that believes work is not punishment and that a free man may work for himself instead of suffering under the yolk of oppression.
I interpret it to mean not all pain is about suffering in anguish. Work is necessary in order to live and grow. So some pain is good.
If he gets to keep his wheat, then yeah not suffering, just trying to feed himself.
It was used to promote “return to office” after some plague. Part of “welcome back, slaves, we renovated the facilities” package.