Bertrand Russell's Philosophical Argument for the Value of Leisure and Idleness
By
awanderingmind
Crisp on the outside, thoughtful on the inside. A keeper.
Summary
Bertrand Russell's philosophical essay challenges the cultural glorification of work and argues that modern society suffers from excessive labor. He critiques the Protestant work ethic, suggesting that idleness and leisure are undervalued virtues that could lead to greater happiness and cultural advancement. Russell proposes that technological progress should enable reduced working hours rather than increased production, advocating for a fundamental shift in societal values away from work as virtue.
Key quotes
· 4 pulledI think that there is far too much work done in the world, that immense harm is caused by the belief that work is virtuous
Satan finds some mischief still for idle hands to do
But although my conscience has controlled my actions, my opinions have undergone a revolution
what needs to be preached in modern industrial countries is quite different from what always has been preached
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