Diligence—carefulness and persistent effort or work—is listed as one of the seven capital virtues. It can be indicative of a work ethic, the belief that work is good in itself.[1]
- "There is a perennial nobleness, and even sacredness, in work. Were he never so benighted, forgetful of his high calling, there is always hope in a man that actually and earnestly works: in idleness alone there is perpetual despair." —Thomas Carlyle[2]
- ^ Thurley, Keith E.; Sek Hong Ng (1997), "The Concept of the Work Ethic", Work and society, Hong Kong University Press, pp. 136–137, ISBN 978-962-209-391-1
- ^ Carlyle, Thomas (1843). "XI: Labour". Past and Present.