In 1928, eminent economist John Maynard Keynes wrote in an essay that in a century the standard of life in Europe and America would improve so much that people would have a lot of leisure. By 2028, “our grandchildren,” wrote Keynes, would have to work only about three hours a day. The economist was quite wrong, it seems. 14 years away from his predicted time, the standard of life improved, no doubt, but work or work-related activity has increased more than ever even in the continents he mentioned. In our own country too, the standard of life has improved considerably. But we find that the working hours in offices have increased rather than decreased. In spite of superior technologies like the computer in place of the typewriter, and rapid communication systems like the email, we find ourselves busier than people of the previous generation. In fact, people had much more time for relaxation in the olden days. I remem...
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