The Garden Of Eden Keller Analysis

Part two of The Good Endeavor, sheds light as to why humans struggle with work in our day to day lives. Keller explains how it all roots back to the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve eating of the forbidden fruit, in his opinion, was a test. This opportunity to obey God merely because of who God is and what was asked of them was a sure fail. The author expands, saying because of this and every other fall of man "sin leads to disintegration of every area of life..” this would include work. Every person, job and area of life will have its fall. Not one particular part will be perfect. Keller gives an example from the play Amadeus. Mozart and Salieri, both composers but they each had success in their own. Salieri was envious of the kind of success Mozart had because he was no doubt a prodigy. However,
With this in mind the author informs the reader of the generational gap and trends that have been established. For example, Keller's grandparents came from the period of the Great Depression. They would have been thankful for any position and pay. This is a large contrast from the new age. Young minds now are on a great search for the perfect job fulfilling their passions, dreams and desires. Keller attempts to reel the reader back to a balance of truth and reality. The author suggests, in chapter six, if there was a magical job or life which gave one everything they need satisfaction would still not be obtained. Referring to Ecclesiastes, Keller share the principal of work done under the sun. The character, Qoheleth, searches for fulfillment and meaning to life through material things. Even though he strives for gratification through: knowledge, achievement, and pleasures he is left unsatisfied. Keller goes into great detail of the importance of God being the center and purpose of all areas of life, work included. One will never reach satisfaction if they work