If the ordinary wage-earner worked four hours a day, there would be enough for everybody and no unemployment -- assuming a certain very moderate amount of sensible organization. This idea shocks the well-to-do, because they are convinced that the poor would not know how to use so much leisure. In America men often work long hours even when they are well off; such men, naturally, are indignant at the idea of leisure for wage-earners, except as the grim punishment of unemployment; in fact, they dislike leisure even for their sons.

Summary

This quote by Bertrand Russell highlights the belief that if the ordinary wage-earner worked fewer hours, say four hours a day, there would still be enough resources to provide for everyone and eradicate unemployment. Russell argues that the objection to this idea comes from the well-to-do individuals who believe that the poor would not be capable of utilizing leisure time effectively. The quote argues against this notion by pointing out that even in America, individuals who are financially stable often work excessively long hours and discourage leisure time for themselves and their children.

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