The Industrial Revolution and Escaping Physical Work

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The industrial revolution simplified and specialized tasks, but overlooked the importance of meaningful work. The idea that people try to escape physical work is nonsensical. The fear is that technology will strip away purpose and leave people vulnerable to exploitation. Some technologies are so concerning that I would stop them myself, regardless of judgment. In our family, work was not valued solely for its own sake.

James Rebanks's family has raised sheep in the same small English village for at least four centuries. There are records of people with his same last name going back a few hundred more. Even his sheep are rooted in place: their DNA is from Viking times. It's enough to make anyone feel insignificant--and according to Rebanks, that's a wonderful thing. Listen as the author of The Shepherd's Life speaks with EconTalk's Russ Roberts about the deep pleasures and humbling privilege of being a sheep farmer.