Slate.com gives this headline:
The Theory of the Leisure Class
An economic mystery: Why do the poor seem to have more free time than the rich?
Ummm, let’s see. Because, perhaps, maybe, there is a cause and effect relationship going on here. If I spend more time working then I make more money. Hmmm, is that possible? Let’s try the reverse. If I spend more time goofing off, then I make less money.
I fail to see the mystery part of this.
Perhaps if I used the time I spend blogging doing work, I’d be rich!
I think it is a relationship of priorities. I’ve read somewhere that the biggest disparity of wealth can actually be in the same family. Even from siblings. (If I weren’t so tired I’d give you a link)
Some siblings can be very wealthy while others very poor – yet they were raised under the same socioeconomic conditions.
It feels like I should wrap that statement up somehow.. but …
Very interesting.
I would love to see that article.
I must admit your position strikes me as a bit unfair. How much richer will someone who makes minimum wage really be if that person works an extra five hours a week?
Is it really “goofing off” if that person decides that, rather than earn a measly amount more and probably have even less time to take care of the house, take care of the family, and do all the other things that need to be done, that it makes more sense to invest that time with the household?
Why is it unfair? I worked in HR for a retail company and people who worked hard and were willing to work extra hours quickly moved up the ladder. Those who didn’t, well, didn’t.
Of course there are some poor people who work very hard and some rich people who never do anything productive (Paris Hilton comes to mind).
But, overall, hard work is rewarded.
And p.s., I’m so happy to see you here, Ibn Tumart. Haven’t seen you for a while and I love your thoughts.
I’ve been looking for that link for you – but I can’t find it now. Maybe I imagined it.