Why We Must Work

Reviews / Votes

"At a time when too much mainstream attention revolves around hollow consumerism and individualism, this excellent book reminds us of the central importance of meaningful and collective ownership of work to happy and successful societies. Wisman makes a powerful argument against the past five decades of elite, laissez-faire economic policies that have done so much to increase inequality and human suffering through the degradation of labour. Instead, he articulates a renewed and compelling manifesto for democratising work." (Andrew Cumbers, Professor of Political Economy, University of Glasgow)

"If you're convinced the US economy already produces happy, fulfilled workers leading dignified lives, don't waste your time reading this book. Don't even bother picking it up if you think that the mob that stormed the Capitol consisted of people with meaningful jobs and satisfying careers earning enough to support their families. This is one book that Hayek and Friedman would have hated. What? Government should make sure that everyone has a job? Preposterous! Worker democracy? Absurd! And what exactly are gig workers complaining about, anyway? They are free to choose their own health insurance! Keynes would have loved this book. Let Wisman persuade you that all of this is not only achievable-but urgently necessary." (John Komlos, Professor Emeritus, University of Munich and author of "Foundations of Real-World Economics")

"This is a smart, engaging book. In it, Wisman argues that the organization of work is too important to leave to the bosses. Too much is at stake for our democracy and our planet. Instead, we deserve an economy in which work provides dignity, fulfilment, security, and social solidarity. Wisman illustrates the ways in which our cooperative instincts have been thwarted and the urgent need to revive it. In these perilous times, this is a book that richly deserves to be read, discussed, and debated." (Bruce Pietrykowski, Professor Emeritus, University of Michigan-Dearborn and author of "Work")

" Why do we work? Just to survive, consume, accumulate? Is that it? Drawing on evolutionary biology, the history of civilisations, anthropology, and economics, Jon Wisman illustrates a compelling alternative to work as we know it, posing 'work' as an essential means to enjoyment, self-expression, creativity, teamwork, and community. He brings the argument up to the present, addressing the prevalent malaise in today's wealthy societies and presenting two work able pathways to better realise these values. This is a boldly-conceived and brilliantly-executed book." (Robert H. Wade, Professor of Global Political Economy, London School of Economics and Political Science)