What is required as we travel towards full unemployment is not new legislation but a gradual change of mental attitude, a shift in values. As our taste for idling grows, we will refuse to work for old-fashioned bosses who demand a five-day, 40-hour, nine-to-five type week, or worse.

The quote by Tom Hodgkinson reflects on the evolving nature of work and the societal changes that accompany increasing levels of unemployment or shifts in employment patterns. He argues that what is needed is not new legislation, but a gradual change of mental attitude and a shift in values regarding work and productivity. Hodgkinson suggests that as people’s taste for idling or leisure grows, they will begin to reject traditional work structures and rigid demands, such as the five-day, 40-hour, nine-to-five workweek.

The meaning behind the quote challenges conventional ideas about work and productivity, advocating for more flexible and self-directed approaches to labor. Hodgkinson envisions a future where people prioritize balance, autonomy, and meaningful engagement over strict adherence to outdated workplace norms. This shift represents a broader cultural transformation in how society values work, leisure, and personal fulfillment.

Tom Hodgkinson, a British writer and editor of The Idler magazine, is known for promoting ideas around idleness, leisure, and a relaxed approach to life. His views often critique the conventional work ethic and encourage people to rethink the relationship between work and happiness. This quote captures his philosophy of questioning societal expectations and embracing change in values.

In essence, the quote calls for a cultural evolution in attitudes toward work, emphasizing the need for flexibility and a redefinition of success and productivity. It highlights the potential for a more balanced, fulfilling approach to life as traditional work models become less relevant.