Both for society as well as for the individual there is a…
““Both for society as well as for the individual there is a gulf between merely living and living worthily. In order that one may live worthily one must first live. How then can a life of culture be made possible? It is not possible unless there is sufficient leisure. For it is only when there is leisure that a person is free to devote himself to a life of culture. The problem of all problems which human society has to face is how to provide leisure to every individual. What does leisure mean? Leisure means the lessening of the toil and effort necessary for satisfying the physical wants of life. How can leisure be made possible? Leisure is quite impossible unless some means are found whereby the toil required for producing goods necessary to satisfy human needs is lessened. What can lessen such toil? Only when machine takes the place of man. There's no other means of producing leisure. Machinery and modern civilization are thus indispensable for emancipating man from leading the life of a brute, and providing him with leisure and making a life of culture possible. The man who condemns machinery and modern civilization simply does not understand their purpose and the ultimate aim which human society must strive to achieve.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Leisure, created by reducing labor through technology, is essential for cultural development and a worthy life.
In simple terms: Leisure enables culture and personal growth.
Promote technology that frees time for culture.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- policy making
- industrial design
- education reform
- personal time management
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies ensure leisure benefits all?
- What safeguards prevent technology from widening gaps?
Technology may also cause alienation or inequality if not managed.