I think the key figures are that the average worker today does 300hrs more a year than medieval peasants, but peasants had months of down time. Apparently, they worked longer days, but less of them.

I feel that most of the jobs around are mostly bullshit. I'd think many people could work half the hours for double the pay and productivity in many places would not diminish much. I envy the Jetsons; while I don't expect to get away with George's two hours a week, I would think 4 half days a week would be totally in order (or similar).

Modern Americans live better than any king or potentate did in medieval times. Far better. We have fruits and vegetables out of season. We spices from around the world. We have miracle cures to disease and vaccines.

And what does being on the clock mean when you're a serf? You're always on the clock.

One idea I think conveyed on the political grounds is that others are quick to pass policy that benefit others regardless of meritocracy, hence you get fiscal repulsion towards welfares. I take the information from the article as suggesting that fiscal repulsion while not wholly, a certain amount looks at any collectively refinanced aid as being non-meritorious and hence the idea that liberal policy no matter the mildness is at the cusp of giving money irresponsibly despite the fact modern workers across the fields and competencies still do work consistently, deserving of aids.