Yuval Noah Harari

Our bodies and minds evolved and were adapted for hundreds of thousands of years for tasks like climbing a tree and picking apples, or hunting rabbits, or looking for mushrooms in the forest. They were not adapted to the very gruelling work that is involved in field work - ploughing, harvesting, bringing water, digging weeds - things like that.

Israeli Historian

Cheryl James

The part you don't expect when you start out is all the people who come into your life wanting a piece of you, not caring about your wellbeing. The insane schedule is very difficult. Touring looks very glamourous but it's hard and gruelling - the travelling, the meet-and-greets - it was too crazy.

American Musician

Farah Khan

God bless IVF because it's never too late to conceive any more. However, having said that, I have to point out that going through IVF is a gruelling procedure; maybe that's why only a woman can go through it!

Indian Director

Mile Jedinak

To captain your team to promotion in one of the most gruelling leagues in the world is right up there, it goes very high on my list. It's something I'm immensely proud of - I don't think it quite sinks in.

Australian Footballer

Aisling Bea

I love L.A. Some people arrive with big expectations and are inevitably disappointed, but I can audition in the day, which can be gruelling and lonely, but then gig and be creative in the evenings.

Irish Actress

Rebel Wilson

I'd love to do Broadway or the West End. I'm sure doing eight shows a week is gruelling, but I did a lot of stage shows in Sydney and I love performing live.

Australian Actress

Michael Flatley

I wasn't even sure I'd be able to walk. I couldn't even go outside. Maybe I was just burnt crisp from the gruelling schedule I had been keeping for years.

Irish Dancer

Sanjeeda Sheikh

My body has finely balanced itself with my gruelling work schedules and if I occasionally get a break, I start missing my shoots.

Indian Actress

Edmund White

I think I could be a cook. Everybody always says I'm good, though I think it's quite gruelling as a profession.

American Novelist

Indicates activities that test your physical abilities to their limits.

Physical Endurance

Can describe situations that are mentally or emotionally stressful.

Emotional Intensity

Often used for tasks that take a long time and involve sustained effort.

Time Length

 that I have discounted the burden of coping with the loss of status. I have forgotten that what is socially necessary can also be personally gruelling.

A letter to all who have...

 survival depends upon speed only 3,000 feet below the summit Lincoln will try to ascend and return as quickly as possible the gruelling 18-hour day

Gruelling