To want a job that exercises a man's capacities in an…
“To want a job that exercises a man's capacities in an enterprise useful to society, is utopian anarcho-syndicalism; it is labor invading the domain of management. No labor leader has entertained such a thought in our generation. Management has the "sole prerogative" to determine the products.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The quote critiques the idea that workers should control production, arguing it is unrealistic and that management must decide products.
In simple terms: Workers cannot realistically run enterprises; management must set product direction.
Key Takeaway
Recognize realistic limits of worker control.
Themes
labor
management
economics
politics
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- union negotiations
- policy making
- business strategy
- social enterprise
Key Concepts
anarcho-syndicalism
utopia
organizational theory
Questions to Reflect On
- Can workers influence product decisions without full control?
- What balance between labor and management is ideal?
A Different Perspective
It overlooks successful cooperative models where workers share decision‑making.