Skip to content

Freedom from labor itself is not new; it once belonged…

“Freedom from labor itself is not new; it once belonged among the most firmly established privileges of the few. In this instance, it seems as though scientific progress and technical developments had been only taken advantage of to achieve something about which all former ages dreamed but which…” quote by Hannah Arendt
Download Open image
“Freedom from labor itself is not new; it once belonged among the most firmly established privileges of the few. In this instance, it seems as though scientific progress and technical developments had been only taken advantage of to achieve something about which all former ages dreamed but which none had been able to realize.”

Hannah Arendt

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Freedom from work is an ancient privilege, now reshaped by technology, yet still elusive for many.

In simple terms: Work freedom is old, tech changes it, but it's still rare.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and address modern labor inequities.

Themes

labor technology freedom history inequality

Mood

critical thoughtful

Type

essay philosophical

When to use this quote

  • policy reform
  • education
  • union organizing
  • tech ethics

Key Concepts

Capitalism automation social contract

Questions to Reflect On

  • What policies can ensure equitable benefits from automation?
  • How does historical privilege affect today's labor debates?
A Different Perspective

Technology alone cannot guarantee freedom.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Hannah Arendt

Explore all 405 Hannah Arendt quotes

More Able quotes

Browse all 17,257 Able quotes