Why did scribes of the past work so diligently?

Scribes of the past played a crucial role in society, and their diligence can be attributed to multiple interrelated factors. One of the primary reasons was their commitment to preserving knowledge for future generations. By meticulously copying texts, they ensured that important religious, literary, and scientific works would not be lost to time, bridging the gap between different eras of human history.

In addition to this preservation effort, scribes often engaged in their work as a form of artistic expression. The craft of calligraphy is an art form in itself, enabling scribes to showcase their skill and creativity through beautiful lettering and elaborate illustrations, which added aesthetic value to their manuscripts.

Economic factors also played a significant role; many scribes relied on their skills as a means of earning a livelihood. In various cultures, being a scribe was a respected profession, and scribes were compensated for their work, highlighting the practical aspect of their labor.

All these factors combined illustrate that the work of scribes was multifaceted, serving not only to maintain and transmit knowledge but also to express artistry and provide for their living. This comprehensive view of their contributions confirms the correctness of the answer, emphasizing that the diligence of scribes encompassed all these motivations.