--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: What seems extraordinary is that the…" description: "\"What seems extraordinary is that the richest countries in the world, in terms of economic output, are the ones where we work hardest. You would have th..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a2a/tom-hodgkinson-2852_advancement_what-seems-extraordinary-is-that-the-ric_2381543.png" --- # What seems extraordinary is that the richest countries in… ![“What seems extraordinary is that the richest countries in the world, in terms of economic output, are the ones where we work hardest. You would have thought that the end of all this innovation, technological advancement, and financial wizardry should be to create less work, not more of it.” quote by Tom Hodgkinson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a2a/tom-hodgkinson-2852_advancement_what-seems-extraordinary-is-that-the-ric_2381543.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a2a/tom-hodgkinson-2852_advancement_what-seems-extraordinary-is-that-the-ric_2381543.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a2a/tom-hodgkinson-2852_advancement_what-seems-extraordinary-is-that-the-ric_2381543.png) > “What seems extraordinary is that the richest countries in the world, in terms of economic output, are the ones where we work hardest. You would have thought that the end of all this innovation, technological advancement, and financial wizardry should be to create less work, not more of it.” [Tom Hodgkinson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tom-hodgkinson/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Wealthy nations that produce the most output also demand the hardest work, contrary to expectations that progress reduces labor. **In simple terms:** Rich countries work hardest despite high output. Key Takeaway Question the assumption that progress always lessens work. Themes economics productivity technology labor inequality Mood thoughtful concerned inquisitive Type philosophical critical When to use this quote - policy debates - corporate strategy - personal career planning - education reform - technology adoption Key Concepts capitalism automation work-life balance productivity paradox Questions to Reflect On - Why do we equate technological advancement with less work? - Can societies redesign work to be more fulfilling? A Different Perspective Progress can increase demand for labor rather than replace it. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Advancement](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/advancement/) [Country](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/country/) [Hard work](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/hard-work/) [Innovation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/innovation/) [Money](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/money/) [Productivity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/productivity/) [Technological advancement](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/technological-advancement/) [Wizardry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wizardry/) [World](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/world/) ## Related quotes > [What seems extraordinary is that the richest countries in the world, in terms of economic output, are the ones where we work hardest.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tom-hodgkinson/what-seems-extraordinary-is-that-the-richest-countries-in-the-world/) [Tom Hodgkinson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tom-hodgkinson/) > [If an innovative piece of software comes along, Microsoft copies it and makes it part of Windows. 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