In Praise of Idleness (1932)
5 hours ago
- #work-ethics
- #leisure
- #societal-critique
- The author critiques the societal belief in the virtue of work, arguing that it causes immense harm and that modern industrial countries should preach the value of leisure instead.
- Historical systems of labor, where a small elite lived off the surplus produced by the majority, have left a lasting impression on the morality of work, which the author argues is outdated in the modern world.
- Modern technology has made it possible to reduce the amount of labor needed for survival, yet society continues to overvalue work, leading to unemployment and misery instead of distributing leisure fairly.
- The author proposes reducing the workday to four hours, allowing people to enjoy leisure and pursue personal interests, which would lead to a happier and more civilized society.
- The leisure class of the past contributed significantly to civilization through arts, sciences, and philosophy, but their hereditary privilege was wasteful. Universities now fulfill some of this role but have limitations.
- A shorter workday would enable individuals to engage in creative and intellectual pursuits without economic pressure, fostering innovation and personal fulfillment.
- The author concludes that ease and security, made possible by modern production methods, should replace the current system of overwork and inequality, leading to a more good-natured and peaceful society.