Oberndorf begins this paper by pointing out some of the psychological differences between work and play with special emphasis on the immediacy of satisfaction. He then discusses the question of ego satisfactions derived from work. The rest of the paper revolves around the problems of the various instinctual impulses, libidinal and aggressive, which can be discharged in work. Particular emphasis is placed on the role of the parents in determining the child's attitude toward work—their attitude toward certain bodily functions may help or interfere with the child's conception of duty and virtue. Finally, unconscious urges to succeed or fail may be the outcome of pathological introjections of parental attitudes.