Skip to content

It is already possible to imagine a society in which the…

“It is already possible to imagine a society in which the majority of the population, that is to say, its laborers, will have almost as much leisure as in earlier times was enjoyed by the aristocracy. When one recalls how aristocracies in the past actually behaved, the prospect is not cheerful.” quote by W. H. Auden
Download Open image
“It is already possible to imagine a society in which the majority of the population, that is to say, its laborers, will have almost as much leisure as in earlier times was enjoyed by the aristocracy. When one recalls how aristocracies in the past actually behaved, the prospect is not cheerful.”

W. H. Auden

About This Quote

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

A future with abundant leisure for workers may repeat the oppressive leisure of past aristocracies, suggesting such a shift may not be desirable.

In simple terms: More leisure could repeat aristocratic oppression.

Key Takeaway

Question the quality of leisure.

Themes

labor leisure social structure

Mood

critical concerned

Type

analytical warning

When to use this quote

  • policy making
  • future planning

Key Concepts

economic history class dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • What defines meaningful leisure?
  • How to avoid past mistakes?
A Different Perspective

Leisure alone isn’t fulfillment.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by W. H. Auden

Explore all 344 W. H. Auden quotes

More Aristocracy quotes

Browse all 426 Aristocracy quotes