The idea that life’s meaning and purpose might be tied to productivity is rooted in long intellectual and cultural traditions. In ancient societies, purpose was often defined through religion, duty, or social role rather than measurable output. Greek philosophers like Aristotle framed human purpose in terms of fulfilling one’s telos—living virtuously and achieving human flourishing—rather than producing material results. The shift toward productivity as a marker of purpose began much later, particularly during the Protestant Reformation, when the “work ethic” associated with thinkers like Max Weber linked moral worth to disciplined labor and achievement. The Industrial Revolution intensified this transformation: factory systems, wage labor, and time-based efficiency metrics reshaped how societies evaluated contribution and identity. By the 20th century, capitalist economies and emerging corporate cultures normalized productivity as a central measure of personal value, reinforced by management theories, self-help movements, and national economic indicators like GDP. In contrast, existentialist thinkers argued that meaning must be self-created, independent of output. Today, debates about work-life balance, burnout, automation, and the attention economy reveal tensions between traditional productivity-centered ideals and newer perspectives that emphasize well-being, creativity, relationships, and intrinsic fulfillment.