Part 1 is made up of the first six paragraphs. The first two paragraphs deal with people's historical attitude towards work ethic: although the 19th-century workers probably did not realize the intrinsic value of work because of their adverse working conditions, generations of immigrants to America attached great importance to work ethic, which brought them a fierce dignity. Paragraph 3 is a transitional paragraph which summarizes the concept of work ethic and leads to the current change in the attitude towards work ethic. Paragraphs 4 and 5 tell us the four reasons why work ethic is diluted now: 1) Younger workers today haven't experienced the past poverty and suffering. 2) Financial cushions make the loss of a job less significant to people. 3) The notorious economic behavior makes losing one's job more of a personal sacrifice than a personal shame. 4) People with better education don't have to focus their minds upon work as the central concern of their existence.
Part 2 consists of 5 paragraphs, from Paragraph 7 to Paragraph 11. In this part the author argues for the value of work. In Paragraph 7 the author first quotes Maslow's hierarchy of needs. And in Paragraph 8 he continues to point out that work has different meanings for different groups in society. From Paragraph 9 to Paragraph 11, the author argues for the value of work from different aspects: to establish a moral simplicity, to gain personal dignity, and to build social relationships.
Part 3 has one paragraph only. Paragraph 12 is a brief summary of the essay and also points out that work is the most vigorous, vivid sign of life—both personal and social.
