To understand the future of work, we must look back into history.
Ask yourself, is the current workforce culture serving our interests individually and societally?
Does employment contribute to our fulfilment as a species?
Human history spans back over many years, when you dig a little deeper you will notice that things have not always been like this. In fact, for most of the human history “work”, was very different. So, lets look into the past to further understand ‘The Future of Work’.
Self Sufficiency
Historically, many human societies have lived in ways which did not involve formal “work” as understood today, focusing instead on self-sufficiency and communal living. In hunter-gatherer societies, which dominated human history for tens of thousands of years, people did not engage in specialised jobs. Instead, they participated in activities necessary for survival, such as hunting, gathering, and crafting tools. Individual members of tribes would contribute collectively to the group as a whole, without a structured idea of work.
Agrarian societies, whose economy is based on producing and maintaining crops and farmland, emerged around 10,000 years ago and they continued this trend of self-sufficiency, though they began to introduce a division of labour. Families and small communities grew their own food, made their own clothes, and built their own homes. Work was integrated into daily life and was closely tied to the seasons and natural cycles. Nature dictated how and when people worked. In these societies, the concept of work was less rigid, with periods of intense activity (like planting and harvest) followed by slower times. This cycle of working was similar in principle to the hunter gathering societies which embodied a more natural way of working.
“The way people tend to work most effectively, especially in knowledge work, is to sprint as hard as they can while they feel inspired to work, and then rest. They take long breaks.
It’s more like a lion hunting and less like a marathoner running. You sprint and then you rest. You reassess and then you try again. You end up building a marathon of sprints.”
Naval
This self-sufficient lifestyle persisted in various forms until the rise of industrialization in the 18th and 19th centuries, which introduced a shift towards specialised labour and formalised work structures. Countries and societies that underwent industrialisation suffered the most from this novel way of earning a livelihood.
The Artisan
Before the widespread adoption of the division of labour, artisans played a central role in production within societies. These skilled craftsmen were responsible for creating a wide range of goods, from everyday necessities like tools and clothing to intricate works of art and architecture.
“On a personal note, I wonder if this shift from artisan to ‘worker’, contributes to the difference of magnanimity of buildings built in previous generations in comparison to those constructed in modernity.”
Each artisan typically managed the entire production process from start to finish, ensuring that their work was both functional and of high quality.
Excellence in artisan production is the hallmark of master craftsmanship, where skill, creativity, and dedication converge to create high-quality, often bespoke, goods. It reflects a deep understanding of materials, techniques, and tradition, honed through years of practice and refinement. Artisan excellence is not just about flawless execution but also innovation within the craft, pushing the boundaries of what is possible while preserving the integrity of the trade. This commitment to quality and detail ensures that each piece is not only functional but also a work of art, embodying the cultural heritage and unique vision of the artisan. Many artisans were members of a guild, where they learned from an accomplished professional for several years before creating themselves.
Artisan guilds were vital institutions in medieval and early modern Europe, shaping the economic and social fabric of cities. These organisations united craftsmen of specific trades, like blacksmiths, weavers, or masons, regulating quality, training apprentices, and protecting members’ interests. Guilds set standards for craftsmanship, maintained trade secrets, and controlled prices, ensuring economic stability within their industries. They also played a crucial role in local governance, influencing policies and supporting charitable activities. Membership in a guild provided social status and security, allowing artisans to thrive within a structured community while contributing to the broader economic and cultural development of society.
Artisans were highly regarded in their communities due to their expertise and the time required to master their crafts. Their work was often passed down through generations with skills being taught through long apprenticeships. This hands-on training allowed for a deep understanding of materials, techniques, and the intricate details of their craft.
Without the division of labour, artisans had to be versatile, handling every aspect of production.
For example, a blacksmith would forge metal, shape it, and assemble the final product, such as a sword or plow. This all-encompassing approach to work fostered a strong connection between the artisan and their product, often resulting in goods that were not only functional but also artistic.
While this system allowed for creativity and quality, it limited production capacity and efficiency. The eventual shift to the division of labour during the Industrial Revolution significantly altered the role of artisans, moving towards mass production and specialised tasks at the expense of excellence.
The Industrial Revolution
The Industrial Revolution, spanning the late 18th to early 19th centuries, marked a profound transformation in human history, reshaping economies, societies, and everyday life. Originating in Britain, it was characterized by the shift from agrarian economies to industrialised, machine-driven production. Innovations like the steam engine, mechanized textile production, and advances in iron and steel manufacturing fuelled unprecedented growth in industries such as textiles, mining, and transportation.
The revolution brought about significant social and economic changes. Urbanization accelerated as people moved from rural areas to cities in search of factory work, leading to the rapid expansion of urban centres. The rise of factories changed the nature of work, introducing long hours, monotonous tasks, and often harsh working conditions. This period also saw the emergence of a new social class, the industrial working class, alongside the rising power of capitalists who owned the means of production.
While the Industrial Revolution spurred economic growth and technological progress, it also had significant human and environmental costs. The exploitation of workers, including women and children, and the environmental degradation caused by industrial activity prompted early labour movements and reform efforts. The Industrial Revolution laid the groundwork for the modern industrialised world, with its legacy continuing to influence contemporary society.
The Division of Labour
Adam Smith, the father of modern economics, profoundly shaped the understanding of work through his seminal work, “The Wealth of Nations” (1776). He proposed that the division of labour was the key to productivity and economic prosperity. Smith illustrated this concept with the example of a pin factory, where the production process was broken down into distinct tasks performed by different workers. This specialization, he argued, allowed workers to become highly skilled in their specific roles, significantly increasing efficiency and output.
Smith also introduced the idea that individuals pursuing their self-interest unintentionally contribute to the public good, a concept he famously described as the “invisible hand.” He believed that when people work to improve their own situation, they inadvertently promote the prosperity of society. However, Smith was also aware of the potential downsides of repetitive, specialised work, acknowledging that it could lead to worker alienation and a loss of intellectual engagement.
Smith’s insights laid the foundation for classical economics and influenced the development of capitalist economies. His ideas on work, labour division, and market dynamics continue to inform economic thought, highlighting the complexities and consequences of labour organisation in society.
The Digital Revolution
The Digital Revolution, beginning in the mid-20th century, represents a fundamental shift from analogue and mechanical technologies to digital systems. It was catalysed by the development of computers, the internet, and advanced telecommunications, radically transforming how information is processed, stored, and communicated. Unlike the Industrial Revolution, which was marked by physical machines, the Digital Revolution is defined by intangible technologies like software, networks, and data.
The advent of the microprocessor in the 1970s made personal computing accessible, while the rise of the internet in the 1990s connected the world in unprecedented ways. Innovations from Macintosh and Windows facilitated an opportunity for the public to access and operate these technologies. This revolution has touched nearly every aspect of life, from how we work and communicate to how we entertain ourselves and access information. It has led to the creation of entirely new industries, such as software development, e-commerce, and digital media, while disrupting traditional ones like publishing and retail.
Socially, the Digital Revolution has altered human interaction, fostering global connectivity through social media and instant communication. It has also democratized access to information. As the revolution continues to evolve with advancements like artificial intelligence, it continues to reshape the future, influencing both opportunities and challenges for society.
The Future of Work and the Creator Economy
When considering this history of the concept of ‘work’, we can see how human beings have lived an autonomous schedule for most of history. It has only been since the advent of industrial revolution that we have witnessed what we now would describe as employment.
In classical antiquity the aristocracy were not employed. They were the leisure class. This gave them the opportunity to use their time for ‘higher endeavours’, to philosophise and create “high culture.”
In my own opinion, we have eliminated slavery and replaced it with employment. However, employment is not all bad. It can be a great stepping stone.
So, it is obvious what has happened with the underclass in society, but what about the leisure class of today?
Is there a leisure class?
If so, who are they and how are they contributing to society?
Regardless, we live in an incredible time, with an incredible opportunity to create and be a part of an oncoming digital renaissance era. Creating and working on projects that we are passionate about, contributing to culture and earning a livelihood in the process. Freeing ourselves from the constrains of typical ‘employment’, for some corporate mechanism that generally exploits workers for profit.
