East of Eden

"I dont know where being a servant came into disrepute. It is the refuge of a philosopher, the food of the lazy, and, properly carried out, it is a position of power, even of love. I cant understand why more intelegent people dont take it as a career- learn to do it well and reap its benefits. A good servant has absolute security, not because of his masters kindness, but because of habit and indolence. Its a hard thing for a man to change spices or lay out his socks"

From Lee to Samuel.
p164 of centenial ed.
John Stienbeck