How can physics be about movement if nothing wants to move? Ah, but forces in the universe make things move and stop moving. But at heart, the first rule of physics says: ""Things like to keep doing what they're already doing.""

How can someone lift a very heavy load? If one could slice the load into pieces, that would trade increased distance for decreased effort. But since one can't break things because they are so heavy, the inclined plane comes into play.