The Great Hope of the Twentieth Century - Jean Fourastié

The Great Hope of the Twentieth Century: A Visionary Look at the Future of Work and Leisure

In his groundbreaking book, The Great Hope of the Twentieth Century, Jean Fourastié presents a compelling vision of the future of work and leisure. Fourastié argues that the twentieth century will be marked by a dramatic decline in the amount of time people spend working, and a corresponding increase in the amount of time they have for leisure activities.

This shift, Fourastié argues, is the result of two major trends: the increasing productivity of labor and the rise of the service sector. As workers become more productive, they are able to produce more goods and services with less effort. This means that they can work fewer hours and still earn a good living. At the same time, the rise of the service sector is creating new jobs that are less physically demanding and more intellectually stimulating. These jobs are more likely to be part-time or flexible, which gives workers more control over their own schedules.

Fourastié believes that these trends will have a profound impact on the way we live our lives. As we have more time for leisure, we will be able to pursue our interests, spend time with our families, and contribute to our communities. We will also be less likely to experience stress, burnout, and other health problems that are associated with long hours and high-pressure jobs.

The Great Hope of the Twentieth Century is a must-read for anyone who is interested in the future of work and leisure. Fourastié's insights are still relevant today, and his vision of a more humane and sustainable future is more important than ever.

Key Themes

• The decline of work and the rise of leisure
• The increasing productivity of labor
• The rise of the service sector
• The impact of technology on work and leisure
• The future of work and leisure

Why You Should Read This Book

• The Great Hope of the Twentieth Century is a classic work of social science that has stood the test of time.
• Fourastié's insights are still relevant today, and his vision of a more humane and sustainable future is more important than ever.
• The book is well-written and engaging, and it is sure to leave you thinking about the future of work and leisure in a new way.

About the Author

Jean Fourastié (1907-1990) was a French economist and sociologist. He is best known for his work on the future of work and leisure. Fourastié's books include The Great Hope of the Twentieth Century (1949), The Future of Work (1954), and The Civilization of Leisure (1974).