I agree, it is "therapy" and causes more problems down the track or at least, a lot of lost potential.
I think that even if not earning, people should do something they love often enough that it is part of their normal routines. It might not lead anywhere, but at least they did something they love.
I get the sense that a lot of the social issues and depression are symptoms of a lack of purpose.
It's pretty sad if you are afflicted by it or if a loved one of yours is afflicted by it.
Yes, and doing what one loves doing is not necessarily all pleasure. It could be about accomplishment and there could be trouble and pain along the way.
This is the crux of the matter. A bureaucratic organization like a government office or a large corporation is not necessarily very good at providing a sense of meaning for its workers.
Responsibility is one thing that is a big part of meaning but there has to be a sense of empowerment and some success at achieving goals as well and not just a looming failure and crushing under the weight of it.
People rarely recognize how painful committing to a love is. It can be all consuming, much like an addiction.
Even the best of governments that can provide for all other needs, can't give true meaning. They try though, which affects our own ability to choose for ourselves. It is especially damaging when the purpose they give is to fight for their security.