Absurd Quote by Paul Lafargue
“In proportion as the machine is improved and performs man's work with an ever increasing rapidity and exactness, the labourer, instead of prolonging his former rest times, redoubles his ardour, as if he wished to rival the machine. O, absurd and murderous competition!”
About This Quote
Source Pamphlet: The Right to be Lazy by Paul Lafargue, 1883
Workers intensify effort to match faster machines, creating a destructive competition.
In simple terms: People work harder to outdo machines, leading to harmful rivalry.
Key Takeaway
Avoid letting technology dictate endless work.
Themes
labor
technology
competition
exploitation
Mood
critical
hopeful
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- factory settings
- remote work
- gig economy
- union negotiations
Key Concepts
industrialization
capitalism
human dignity
Questions to Reflect On
- Can technology be used to reduce work instead?
- What alternatives exist to this competition?
A Different Perspective
The argument assumes all workers have equal power to resist.
