Hard Quote by David Autor
“The average worker in 2015 wanting to attain the average living standard in 1915 could do so by working just 17 weeks a year, one third of the time. But most people don't choose to do that. They are willing to work hard to harvest the technological bounty that is available to them. Material abundance has never eliminated perceived scarcity.”
About This Quote
People could achieve a 1915 standard of living in 2015 by working far fewer weeks, yet they choose longer work to capture abundant resources, showing that scarcity is perceived rather than real.
In simple terms: Abundance coexists with perceived scarcity.
Key Takeaway
We often work harder despite material sufficiency.
Themes
economics
psychology
labor
technology
scarcity mindset
Mood
thoughtful
critical
optimistic
Type
analytical
observational
sociological
When to use this quote
- career planning
- policy design
- personal finance
- societal debates
- education
Key Concepts
productivity
standard of living
work hours
technological progress
Practical Applications
- restructuring work schedules
- designing welfare policies
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do we equate effort with value?
- How can societies reduce the illusion of scarcity?
![“By 18th century standards, they [Great Britain] were the freest, most dynamic, most willing to challenge tradition and authority. They had the highest wages and highest living standard, and probably the most engagement between the populace and the government of any country. Then the United States…” quote by Charles R. Morris](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ca2/charles-r-morris-19787_18th-century_by-18th-century-standards-they-great-bri_49883.jpg)
