This chapter explores the lack of knowledge and understanding about the origins and impact of our work, highlighting the fascination with observing and appreciating people's work. It emphasizes the importance of learning about others' work as a means to broaden our horizons and understand the world better. The chapter also discusses the role of art in drawing attention to the unnoticed aspects of daily life and compares it to the purpose of the book being discussed.
Author Alain de Botton talks with EconTalk host Russ Roberts about his latest book, The Pleasures and Sorrows of Work. How has the nature of work changed with the increase in specialization? Why is the search for meaningful work a modern phenomenon? Has the change in the workplace changed parenting? Why does technology become invisible? These are some of the questions discussed by de Botton in a wide-ranging discussion of the modern workplace and the modern worker.