Thereare people who are especially attracted to the notion of"climbing theladder"so as to increase their status,financial position,and sense ofself-worth.In part,as a result of the work ethic,these people are internally"driven"to work.Not infrequently,foreign visitors have observedthat Americans spend an inordinate(过度的)amount of time working and,as aconsequence,Americans have little time for leisure or personal relationships.In American English,a new word"workaholic"

has beencreated to describe an individual who is as addicted to work as an alcoholic isto liquor.

Thereare conflicting points of view about workaholics.Those concerned with problemsof mental stress believe workaholics abuse themselves physically and mentally.Others hold that workaholics are valuable members of society because they areextremely productive.The American culture values achievement,efficiency,andproduction--a workaholic supports these values.

Despitethe presence of workaholics,there is a growing realization in the UnitedStates that excessive work demands can be physically and mentally harmful.Manypeople have been rebelling against the work ethic,claiming that when a job isso important,personal relationships suffer and relaxation becomes secondary.Consequently,there has been a shift in values,with more emphasis being givento personal relationships and non-work activities.Increased leisure time in theUnited States has not changed the idea that work and play are distinctactivities.There is a belief that it is desirable"to work hard and playhard"and undesirable

tocombine the two.In many offices,stores and factories socializing amongemployees is discouraged.An employee under pressure at work often cannotafford to respond to social calls and visits.However,the amount of personalcontact on the job depends on the nature of the work.

Peopleare ambivalent toward work;it is,at the same time,glorified and belittled.In the words

offormer President Richard Nixon:"The'work ethic'holds that labor is goodin itself;that a man or woman becomes a better person by virtue of the act ofworking.America's competitive spirit,the'work ethic'of this people,is aliveand well..."Another viewpoint is expressed in an Anacin commercial:"I like my job and am good at it,but it sure grinds me down(折磨)sometimes,and the lastthing I need to take home is a headache."

The author states that workaholics_______.查看材料

• A.abusethemselves physically and mentally
• B.arehighly productive members of society
• C.torture themselves physically
• D.bothA and B