Meaning: This quote by Dorothy Sayers, a renowned English crime writer, essayist, and playwright, conveys a thought-provoking insight into the dangers of individuals who make another person the focus of their life or purpose. Sayers is known for her strong female characters and her exploration of moral and societal issues within her works. In this quote, she highlights the potential harm that can arise when individuals become overly fixated on another person, to the extent that it consumes their identity and purpose.

One interpretation of this quote is that when individuals make another person their sole focus or purpose, they may become prone to possessiveness, manipulation, and even obsession. This can lead to unhealthy and potentially harmful dynamics in relationships, as well as a lack of personal fulfillment and autonomy. By placing the responsibility for their own happiness and sense of purpose onto another person, individuals may lose their own sense of agency and self-worth.

Additionally, the quote can be seen as a caution against the dangers of codependency. Codependent relationships often involve one person making the other their primary source of identity and meaning, leading to an unhealthy and imbalanced dynamic. This can result in emotional manipulation, lack of boundaries, and an inability to function independently. Sayers' warning about the dangers of making someone else "their job" can be interpreted as a call for individuals to maintain a sense of self and purpose separate from their relationships with others.

Furthermore, the quote may also allude to the potential for individuals who make another person their sole focus to exhibit controlling or manipulative behavior. When someone becomes fixated on another person to the extent that they consider them their "job," it can lead to a sense of entitlement and power over the other individual. This can manifest in various forms, such as emotional manipulation, coercion, or even abuse. Sayers' warning serves as a reminder of the importance of healthy boundaries and mutual respect in relationships.

In a broader sense, the quote can be applied to various contexts beyond individual relationships. It can be seen as a commentary on the dangers of fixating on external sources of validation or purpose, whether that be through relationships, career, or societal expectations. When individuals place all their focus and energy into fulfilling the expectations or desires of others, they risk losing sight of their own values, goals, and well-being.

Overall, Dorothy Sayers' quote serves as a poignant reminder of the potential pitfalls of making another person the sole focus or purpose of one's life. It encourages individuals to cultivate a sense of self-worth, identity, and purpose that is independent of external influences. By acknowledging the dangers of becoming overly fixated on others, Sayers prompts us to strive for healthy, balanced, and autonomous relationships, as well as a strong sense of self.