What is Work Really For?

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/09/08/work-good-or-bad/?src=recg

An interesting article that looks at consumerism-created need as an economic driver versus needs as conceived by educated, thinking individuals.  An economy whose goal is creating profit for the sake of profit (or for the sake of an economic elite) versus an economy whose goal is meeting genuine human needs as conceived by independent, thinking individuals in society.  An economy that creates increased leisure time as production becomes more efficient.

Author also argues the need for a liberal education as opposed to education as job training.

To find:  How Much is Enough - Robert and Edward Skidelsky

Henry Ford and Current Economic Situation

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/03/opinion/henry-ford-when-capitalists-cared.html?_r=1&ref=global-home

A well-written reminder of the views of Henry Ford on paying workers and a healthy economy.  Also an interesting comparison with Germany that undercuts the claim that falling wages are a result of globalization - consensual as opposed to confrontational social contract.