Why do we assume that it is the height of virtue to be "hard-working"? Certainly it is good to uphold one's responsibilities. But does extra labor make one more deserving , give ready excuse for activities that not accommodated due to the extra given to that hard work? Whatever that work may consist of? Hard work trumps loving kindness or easy-going goodwill or all or the kinds of play that leads to discovery or artistic imaginings or camaraderie or taking joy in life?