Work is the essence of human life, but it is not the purpose of human life. The author argues that since humans appeared on Earth, they must engage in labor to acquire resources and energy, thereby sustaining survival and reproduction. However, work is not the sole meaning of human existence; humans also have other needs and pursuits, such as leisure, entertainment, social interaction, and creativity. The author urges us not to treat work as a faith, but rather as a means to better enjoy life.
The form and meaning of work change as human civilization evolves. The author traces the historical transformation of human labor from primitive society, agricultural society, industrial society, to modern society. He points out that different social forms and economic systems define and demand work differently. In primitive society, people did not have the concept of “work”; they simply labored to meet basic survival needs. In agricultural society, people began to settle and cultivate fixed lands, forming land ownership and class systems. In industrial society, people were alienated into “tool people” (or “cogs in the machine”), working tirelessly for economic growth. In modern society, people have greater expectations and challenges regarding work, hoping to gain a sense of value and achievement through it.
Scarcity economics is the root cause of people overworking. The author believes that the “scarcity mindset” prevalent in modern society makes people worry that resources are insufficient, thus striving hard to work to acquire more wealth and material goods. However, this mindset ignores that human demand for resources is finite, and resources themselves are not fixed. The author proposes the concept of “abundance economics,” arguing that humans should learn from primitive society how to control desires, be content with existing resources, and expand the availability of resources through innovation and collaboration.
Automation technology will bring new opportunities and challenges to humanity. The author predicts that in the future, robots will replace humans in performing most repetitive and low-skilled jobs, which will lead to crises of unemployment and uselessness. But at the same time, this will also bring new possibilities to humanity, giving people more time and space to develop fields they are interested in and skilled at, and creating more valuable and meaningful work. The author suggests that we should rethink the question of “what makes us human,” transitioning from being “tool people” to being a “Human Being.”