Would You Work for No Pay If It Was Something You Enjoyed?

[pattylou]

On the "what is wrong with capitalism" thread in PWA, some contributors suggest that in a communist/anarchist/socialist/whateverist society, no one would work because they wouldn't need to. The argument says something like: everyone would lie around all day and let the state take care of them.

I'm curious if you would work (ie contribute to the common good) for no pay, if that work was something you enjoyed doing. Would you enjoy building houses if it was just for the sake of providing shelter? Cooking? Cleaning?

Take the poll. Apologies in advance for the options I forgot. mention them in your responses.

Public poll, multiple responses allowed. Yo mamma, some people are *so* impatient.

 

[JamesU]

what poll...?

 

[cronxeh]

Well since I'm fascinated head-over-heels with Biology, I'd probably do farming and maybe if I'm an MD then I'd be a physician too. I think as technology becomes more and more advanced, we'd be able to move to such society and eliminate the need to work 40 hours a week. Perhaps we'd be able to slow down and just enjoy life's simple pleasures in the future, but that outlook is too optimistic considering our society

 

[Gokul43201]

Well since I'm fascinated head-over-heels with Biology, I'd probably do farming and maybe if I'm an MD then I'd be a physician too. I think as technology becomes more and more advanced, we'd be able to move to such society and eliminate the need to work 40 hours a week. Perhaps we'd be able to slow down and just enjoy life's simple pleasures in the future, but that outlook is too optimistic considering our society

It's people working 40 (or more) hours a week that makes technology "more and more advanced".

 

[russ_watters]

I voted "other". I have a number of hobbies I'd pursue, such as golf, astrophotography, skydiving, skiing, sailing, and flying.

 

[Smasherman]

I don't really know if I'd enjoy many of those because I've never been exposed to them. Nothing there except hunting strikes me as terribly unpleasant, however, and I'd hunt if it were absolutely necessary (ie, to control populations until a different measure can be put in place).

 

[pattylou]

In case it wasn't clear, I tried to identify the basic *needs* that a society would need to meet --- Shelter, clothing, food, etc.

 

[TheStatutoryApe]

I checked Education/Child Care, Healthcare, and Other.
Under other I would pursue artistic endevours and writing.

 

[cefarix]

Other = Software programming

 

[cronxeh]

In case it wasn't clear, I tried to identify the basic *needs* that a society would need to meet --- Shelter, clothing, food, etc.

I agree completely. But as Gokul pointed it out, we are not yet ready for that. I don't think we will be in my lifetime anyway

 

[loseyourname]

Well, some amount of farming, carpentry/construction, education, health care, and cleaning I've already done for no pay, along with artistic/writing pursuits (although it seems to go without saying to me that most people who do these do them for no pay). I would not be willing to do any of these things full-time for no pay, however. I would gladly build and maintain my own home, and probably write full time given a communist paradise (assuming they allow writers who don't contribute to any state interest).

Actually, I'd be willing to run workshops for people learning to write as well, but again, not full-time.

 

[Pengwuino]

Hmm... living in a world with only basic needs? BORING.

 

[Smurf]

I voted "other". I have a number of hobbies I'd pursue, such as golf, astrophotography, skydiving, skiing, sailing, and flying.

Finally proof that Russ understanding of english doesn't include "contribute to the common good".

 

[Pengwuino]

Finally proof that Russ understanding of english doesn't include "contribute to the common good".

What does that have to do with the english language.

 

[Smurf]

Hmm... living in a world with only basic needs? BORING.

Patty's understanding of anarcho-socialist thought it rough at best. Most would suggest that any need for which there is a demand in the community could and probably will be met.

 

[Smurf]

Well, some amount of farming, carpentry/construction, education, health care, and cleaning I've already done for no pay, along with artistic/writing pursuits (although it seems to go without saying to me that most people who do these do them for no pay). I would not be willing to do any of these things full-time for no pay, however. I would gladly build and maintain my own home, and probably write full time given a communist paradise (assuming they allow writers who don't contribute to any state interest).

Actually, I'd be willing to run workshops for people learning to write as well, but again, not full-time.

Also the term "no-pay" is not entirely accurate. To generally gloss over it's a matter of the community taking care of you (provide you with shelter, food, sex, drugs and rock and roll) and you contribute to the community (various things mentioned above)

 

[Smurf]

What does that have to do with the english language.

I don't know. I was going to say vocabulary then I realized that didn't make sense as it was more than one word so I just roughed it.

 

[Smasherman]

Perhaps one could participate in a variety of activities part-time.

 

[cronxeh]

Patty I guess it takes special people with a unique mindset and vision to make a utopian society

 

[Smurf]

Other = Software programming

Always needed

 

[Smurf]

Perhaps one could participate in a variety of activities part-time.

Entirely possible.

 

[Smurf]

For the record I put down everything except "Elder Care", for various reasons.

 

[Pengwuino]

Patty's understanding of anarcho-socialist thought it rough at best. Most would suggest that any need for which there is a demand in the community could and probably will be met.

I want a ferrari.

Thought not.

Thats what I don't like about communist fanatics and their crap about "Oh everyone will get to do what they want and its all for the community" (haha yah, this is an off-topic rant). Well dream on. No one wants to be a garbage man, no one wants to work the sewers, etc etc etc. Plus some people are just not good at certain things. If some dense housewife wants to be a astronomer, well too damn bad because you're too stupid and you can do better as a cook.

 

[Burnsys]

Other: Software programing also.

It used to happen to me, when i didn't had a job, and i didn't do anything you feel the needs to do something, Paid or not, i think it's somenthing natural in humans, the need to do work...

 

[cronxeh]

For the record I put down everything except "Elder Care", for various reasons.

I'd do that. Unless they are ridiculously offensive, then I'd put them on Prozac

I actually think there should be aerial spraying of Prozac on daily basis in this country.. but what do I know

 

[Pengwuino]

Entirely possible.

Not for a decent society. Society only runs well because people who are good and experienced at something stay at it and only at it.

 

[Smasherman]

Ideally "Elder Care" would be an integral part of daily life instead of streamlined.

 

[Smasherman]

Not for a decent society. Society only runs well because people who are good and experienced at something stay at it and only at it.

Would you truly wish to devote your entire life to only one type of job? That sounds rather repetitive to me.

 

[Smurf]

I want a ferrari.
Thought not.

Do you have one now?

The problem with criticizing anarcho-socialist theories by saying they can't easily get certain products is that most individuals usually can't get them under this economy either.

I don't see why you can't have one. Depending on the system it'd be entirely likely you could get one just as easily.

 

[Pengwuino]

Would you truly wish to devote your entire life to only one type of job? That sounds rather repetitive to me.

Of course not but how effective would you be if you're juggling 3 different types of jobs? What kinda cook do you think you'd have if on monday he cooks, tuesday he programs software, and wednesday he builds houses?