Etymology is a fascinating discipline of linguistics that tells what the words we use today meant originally. Thus, it is possible to understand cultures via the meaning of words. In this case, the world of work is no exception.

Interestingly, the word "labour" in English comes from Latin "labor" which means exertion of the body, trouble, hardship". But it is even more interesting to know that another Latin variation of the word used in Spanish, the word "trabajo" (work, job or labour in English) actually comes from Latin "tripalium", (literally "three sticks")wich was a medieval instrument of torture where victims were tied by extremities to three sticks and burnt with fire.

Obviously, work is not a form of torture in itself but it is necessary to remember that today many people in the world suffer from extreme and torturous forms of exploitation at work and that we must work to live, not live to work!