(sub)Text: Work as Madness in “The Bridge on the River Kwai” (1957) | The Partially Examined Life Philosophy Podcast | A Philosophy Podcast and Blog (opens in new tab)

In the beginning, Colonel Nicholson seems to be a stickler for principle, willing to die rather than have his officers do menial labor in a Japanese prison camp. In the end, his principles seem to be a cover for personal vanity. He is willing to put his officers to work building a bridge for his enemies, as long as it leaves him with a legacy. “The Bridge on the River Kwai” is a reflection on the meaning of work, and whether the ravages of time, if not war, imply that being happy in one’s wor...