Our ancestors may have shifted back and forth between different work routines and social structures, often in tune with the seasons. Would that be a better way to live?
having once read all the Jared Diamond books I am thrilled there is more to read on a similar subject. Thanks for pointing this out.
On a different note, you can compare the social conventions in US/Canada and Europe with respect to off-time, paid parental leave, summer breaks winter breaks. The necessity for a change in policy is mainly a US challenge. In Europe, it is the challenge is to protect those cultural items against influences coming prediminantely from US and also from China in combination with the thread the European economies will fall behind. I never had the impression that German employees are less productive than US employees in spite of 14 public holidays and 30 days of inpaid vaccation per year.
Fascinating thoughts here, thanks Steven. Oddly enough, I am also currently co-reading Against the Grain and The Dawn of Everything (which arrived this week). I do relate to the "time out" you speak of, as an Australian, and have also experienced one of those Long Service Leaves which are refreshing and much looked forward to by most workers here. They happen after 10 years of service. I wonder whether the current pandemic - enforced 'hard' or self-regulated 'soft' lockdowns are having the same effect on people, and what the outcome may be - certainly the way we work has changed for ever. Oh, for a crystal ball!
having once read all the Jared Diamond books I am thrilled there is more to read on a similar subject. Thanks for pointing this out.
On a different note, you can compare the social conventions in US/Canada and Europe with respect to off-time, paid parental leave, summer breaks winter breaks. The necessity for a change in policy is mainly a US challenge. In Europe, it is the challenge is to protect those cultural items against influences coming prediminantely from US and also from China in combination with the thread the European economies will fall behind. I never had the impression that German employees are less productive than US employees in spite of 14 public holidays and 30 days of inpaid vaccation per year.
Just completed Against The Grain yesterday with new respect and renewed fascination for the deep past. Strangely the book seems to end very abruptly.
Fascinating thoughts here, thanks Steven. Oddly enough, I am also currently co-reading Against the Grain and The Dawn of Everything (which arrived this week). I do relate to the "time out" you speak of, as an Australian, and have also experienced one of those Long Service Leaves which are refreshing and much looked forward to by most workers here. They happen after 10 years of service. I wonder whether the current pandemic - enforced 'hard' or self-regulated 'soft' lockdowns are having the same effect on people, and what the outcome may be - certainly the way we work has changed for ever. Oh, for a crystal ball!