Who said “Work consists of whatever a body is obliged to do, and play consists of whatever a body…”?

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Mark Twain. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceThe Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1876)

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“Work consists of whatever a body is obliged to do, and play consists of whatever a body is not obliged to do.”
— Mark Twain
VerifiedThe Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1876) · evidenceWork
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Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1876).

APA

Twain, M. (n.d.). Work consists of whatever a body is obliged to do, and play consists of whatever a body is not obliged to do. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/42605-work-consists-of-whatever-a-body-is-obliged/

MLA

Twain, Mark. “Work consists of whatever a body is obliged to do, and play consists of whatever a body is not obliged to do.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/42605-work-consists-of-whatever-a-body-is-obliged/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Twain, Mark. “Work consists of whatever a body is obliged to do, and play consists of whatever a body is not obliged to do.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/42605-work-consists-of-whatever-a-body-is-obliged/.

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