This chapter examines the current phenomenon of “quiet quitting” through a Marcusean lens. It first discusses the emergence of “quiet quitting” as it emanates from Gen Z’s incredulity vis-à-vis the American Dream and despair over the ascendant authoritarianism worldwide. Both in the United States and abroad, the neoliberal state no longer delivers on its promises for many young people; thus, the attitude toward hard work and a career-driven lifestyle has radically shifted, causing younger Americans to view the workplace less as a site of fulfilment and more as a temporary means of earning a paycheck. This chapter argues that the resultant decision to “act your wage” on the job and not go the extra mile actually holds greater meaning than many Gen Zers realize. The writings of Herbert Marcuse prove useful here: centered on the 1960s “Great Refusal” of post-World War II values, they probe deeply into the manner in which the basic human instincts of eros and thanatos can be reoriented. While Marcuse credits the hippie generation of the anti-Vietnam era with adumbrating the possibility of this new creation, his insights are meaningful in the current neoliberal moment of autocratic regimes.