Labor-saving So You Can Be More Productive, Not Less

By Peter Wesson

If you use labor-saving machines to enable laziness, then you are saving time in order to waste it.

Our society has made a grave mistake in regards to our technology and state of mind.  We have had the blessings of labor-saving devices for several decades now.  It used to be that doing the dishes meant standing over a sink and washing dishes by hand.  Now it means loading a dishwasher, with maybe a pre-wash step for the super-motivated.  For those exhausted after mowing the lawn, very few of my generation or younger know the contrast between a mower that does all the cutting work for you and a mower that is completely human-powered.  Many these days don't even have to stand up to mow the lawn and spend what is the equivalent of a low-speed four-wheeler session in their yard when they are cutting the grass with their new riding mower.

There's nothing wrong with any of these things per se.  Cutting out labor in doing a chore usually means cutting down on the time it takes, too.  This can be a good thing.  It was basic machines that allowed mankind more free time to develop himself culturally, intellectually, philosophically, and artistically.  The industrial revolution and the engine magnified that exponentially.  As we are beginning to see home automation on things like vacuuming, pool-cleaning, and even grass-cutting, we are looking at even more labor being saved.

However, could it be that we are missing it in what we are accomplishing with these labor-saving devices?  Could it be that we are putting too much emphasis on the effort that labor is saved and not on the time that is frees us to do other productive things?  Could it be that we are missing the greater blessings that modern technology is other than on the work it keeps us from needing to do?

We have seen this sort of missed opportunity with mobile phone technology, of course.  We have given up communication with those around us for constant communications with others.  Relationships and even marriages have been diminished, ruined, and broken because of this inordinate imbalance.  What should be a blessing to enhance our lives has in some cases caused harm instead.

We see the same thing in the activity that these labor-saving devices have brought to us.  You know the time we said we didn't have to read that book, do those house improvements, or simply spend time with our family is more available than ever because of modern technology.  Instead, what do we do?  We spend time with other modern technology, whether it be the game on television or anti-social media like Facebook.  Perhaps some might even abuse this time given to indulge in less savory things like Internet porn. 

So, what's my point?  My point is that the more masculine, mature thing to do is to use these labor-savers as a chance to be able to participate in something else more meaningful and productive.  Use this time to really advance yourself as a man.  Begin working on those hand-built carpentry items you have the skills to build (or perhaps to develop those skills).  Work on that piece of music you've always wanted to learn.  Take those saved moments to connect with your wife in some meaningful way (to both of you).  Use that time to teach your children the wonders of the outdoors, to teach your son how to shoot that .22 rifle, or some other skill that fathers used to pass on to their children.  Use the labor saved by these things to catch up on work around the house that you as a man need to do.
 

Modern technology can be used to help us not have so much stress in life.  However, if the only thing you do with that time is waste it on overindulgence in leisure, you have missed a great opportunity.  That is, an opportunity to use modern technology to enhance your life instead of allowing it to make you into a mediocre shade of masculinity.  Use the time saved in one thing to give yourself more time to become all that you can and should be as a man.