I think the point is that the amount of "work" equal to a dollar is an arbitrary value, and that we've somehow landed on the 40-hours-per-week-is-enough-to-drive-my-lifestyle paradigm. If everyone works less, but also decides that work is worth more, you'll end up with more free time but the same prices. Up to a certain point of practicality, i.e. the minimum amount of work needed for shit to actually get done. Unfortunately I don't see this kind of shift happening very quickly...
You are incorrect in thinking this. The 8-hour day was clawed back from the "forever" day.I think the point is that the amount of "work" equal to a dollar is an arbitrary value, and that we've somehow landed on the 40-hours-per-week-is-enough-to-drive-my-lifestyle paradigm.
True. Apparently I'm much more naive just before I sleep. I guess we'll just have to wait and see, considering working hours have still been decreasing in the last few decades. You got me thinking about trade unions but, in contrast to last night, I'd rather not write down some unsubstantiated things.
Depends on where you are, I think. I know working hours in the US surpassed Japan over ten years ago, where they actually have a word for "death by overwork." Don't get me wrong - there are very real problems. I just find the "idle half the workforce" approach to be myopic.I guess we'll just have to wait and see, considering working hours have still been decreasing in the last few decades.