Work

In Work, anthropologist James Suzman offers a groundbreaking examination of the evolution of work and its profound impact on human civilisation. Spanning from the origins of life on Earth to our present age of automation, Suzman delves into how work has shaped our societies, influenced our cultures, and moulded our values.

The work we engage in today gives us purpose, defines our social standing, and governs how we spend the majority of our lives. However, this was not always the case. For 95% of human history, work played a vastly different role within communities. Suzman explores this transformation in an era marked by a quest for survival to our current period of unparalleled material abundance.

He questions how work became the central organising principle of our societies. How did it impact our physical and social development, the way we perceive equality, and our understanding of time? Why, in an age where technological advancements promise to ease our workload, do we find ourselves more consumed by work than ever before?

Drawing on research from a variety of disciplines including biology, anthropology, and economics, Suzman weaves together a comprehensive narrative that challenges our basic assumptions about work. Work not only scrutinises the past but also offers insightful perspectives on the future of work and its possible implications for humanity.

This book is essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the intricate relationship between work and human progress. It provides a thought-provoking analysis that is both enlightening and transformative, encouraging readers to rethink their perceptions of what work means in the modern world.