Capitalist Motion of Work

Maoriland Worker, Volume I, Issue 8, 20 April 1911, Page 9

Capitalist Motion of Work

One of the writer's favourite subjects—for theoretic discussion —is work. This work is a great thing. The capitalists deify it —to their employees —and let it severely alone themselves. The word "work" has a certain definite meaning. It is by no means synonymous with "exercise," "muscular exertion," or "mental effort." When the Socialist reviles work he is not attacking games or pastimes. Football is not work —except for professionals. When the capitalist preaches the doctrine of work to his slaves, he does not mean, take exercise, develop your muscles, swim, dance, row, climb mountains, etc.. not on your life I The work the Socialist damns and the plute deifies, is hard labour in the process of production which results in the production of-wealth by the workers for the owners. The Soc-alist damns this hard work, mostly, I think, because it could very easily be almost entirely done aAvay with (granted the overthrow of the boss class) and the capitalist deifies the idea in order that the Workers may be induced to keep on producing goods for his enjoyment. There's the whole thins: "in a nutshell." Put it up to the "dignity of labour" and "nobility of work" apostle at the earliest opportunity. Don't let them s.de track you on "healthy exercise" or anything like that. "Work" to the boss, and his mental parasites means hard labour —"producing" five dollars worth of wealth and getting one dollar for doing it. This is a slave idea, fit only for slave minds inhabiting—if it can be put that way —the upper part of slave bodies. Surely you don't come under this heading.—Desmond.