Citation needed. Which book of the Analects is that found in?
I don't think that's a fair argument. There's always a point in projects where you need to do something you don't want to do. At that point your work has become an obligation, which makes it something you don't love. You're forced to undergo the stress that we're discussing balancing. The key IMO is to find the right balance of working through that stress.
If you loath to do something then it induces stress. However, if you love your project then you're more likely to ensure that ship moves forward, even if it means doing tasks that you did not want to do originally.
I think that stress is a relative thing. You could have all the power and resources in the world, but you'll be stressed about something.
What's missing is the admission that many people find out which job(s) they love once they've lived most of their lives and have attained a different perspective of what's important.
I think many people also find their ideal jobs right away though.