proverb · Words worth keeping
The greatest burdens are not the gainfullest.
The greatest burdens are not the gainfullest.
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
The hardest or most demanding task is not necessarily the most rewarding. Consider what the effort actually achieves rather than using the size of the burden as proof of its value.
Example
A volunteer team simplifies a laborious reporting routine after checking which information actually helps the next event, instead of preserving every step because it takes considerable effort.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The proverb separates how much a task demands from how much benefit it provides. A heavy responsibility can consume time or energy without producing a correspondingly useful result. Gain can be understood as a worthwhile outcome, not only money. The lesson is not that demanding work should always be avoided: some necessary tasks are difficult and their value may be delayed or shared with others. The useful comparison asks what the burden serves and whether another arrangement could achieve the purpose more fairly or effectively. Difficulty alone does not settle whether a commitment deserves to be continued unchanged.
When to use it
Use it when the amount of work is being mistaken for evidence of benefit.
Keep in mind
Necessary work can be difficult and its benefit delayed; assess purpose and circumstances rather than effort alone.
An interpretation of the words, not a claim about their earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- Date unknown
- Culture
- English