The Disutility of Labor

The disutility attached to labor explains why, in the course of human history, a tendency toward shortening the hours of work developed. In establishing this fact, economists do not assert that the only means to attain happiness is to enjoy more material comfort or to have more leisure. They simply acknowledge the truth that men are in a position to provide themselves better with what they consider they need. The satisfaction of these less important needs may not be considered as a sufficient reward for the further continuation of work.