Work: A Deep History, from the Stone Age to the Age of Robots

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Work defines who we are. But are we hardwired to work as hard as we do? James Suzman charts a grand history of work, from the origins of life on Earth to our ever more automated present, challenging some of our deepest assumptions about who we are. He shows that while we have evolved to find joy, meaning, and purpose in work, for most of human history our ancestors worked far less and thought very differently about work than we do now. He demonstrates how our contemporary culture of work has its roots in the agricultural revolution ten thousand years ago. By arguing that we are in the midst of a similarly transformative point in history, Suzman suggests that automation might usher in a more sustainable and equitable future for our world and ourselves. -- From publisher's description