A la 2015… Since it started becoming clear that technology was advancing fast, changing everything and the process would continue for a long time, we've had thi

A la 2015… Since it started becoming clear that technology was advancing fast, changing everything and the process would continue for a long time, we've had this semi-utopian idea about the future. If machines are making stuff, improving tools for the home and the workplace (vacuum cleaners & injection molding machines) will chip away at the number of hours we need to work. The future will be a leaser society. Part os this have come about. There are a lot more services and a bigger portion of total consumption allocated to various optional or "lifestyle" decisions. Most of us working in "developed economies" can certainly afford as many plates and electric kettles as we can use easily. In my grandmother's time, you got plates and sugar bowls for your wedding and your inheritance and tried not to break too many in between. But, some fundamental "human condition" issues have gone unsolved? When I first thought about these things as a kid I didn't know that people had been making the same speculations for nearly 100 years. I don't really know to say 'why.' But, I do think a good chunk of our consumption is competitive, and therefore resistant to adequacy. Real estate is competitive. Schooling is competitive. Status symbols are competitive. You can own the latest gadget for cheap, if you're willing to wait five years until prices drop (what would be the price of a brand new iphone 1 in 2015?). Anyway… I think it's unhelpful to great improvements with cynicism. 2 days a month is a decent starting point. If you really want to work on whatever you want to work on without financial considerations.. you need to figure out a way of doing it for yourself. Otherwise, 2 days is not bad.