The Paideia Program-Part II-Ch.12 -The World of Work

I would state that most of the time, whenever people hear the word "work," the first thing that comes to most people's minds is "physical" work. Now, I know that I am not 100% correct when I state that, which is why I said "most of the time..." There are several, many jobs that do not require any physical work at all, in order to accomplish them. 

In Chapter Twelve, "The World of Work," Dr. Adler writes, "Most of the work that will remain will be good work - work that requires human intelligence, not animal strength" (Adler, 1984)(p.157). He is speaking of a work force, which is what we are currently in, one in which machines have replaced human beings in the work field. One in which one robot is capable of doing the work of twenty people. This is why, Dr. Adler writes, it is important for all people to know how to learn. More specifically, he states, "... the only appropriate 'career education' is learning how to learn, so that one can quickly prepare for new jobs and career opportunities as they come along" (Adler, 1984)(p.157). This is a reason why we have seen such growth in the attendance of vocational schools. People are returning to school, in order to learn more about a specific trait.

Another topic discussed is the fact that because of these growing numbers, people are going to have to possess special, individual traits, which make them stand out in the work field. Dr. Adler writes, "Differences among social groups will be greatly reduced when all eighteen-year-olds will have had the same preparation. Differences in occupations will remain, but differences in opportunity, class, and culture will be much less. Vocational educators will then have a more satisfying role and they will not be forced to do remedial teaching. Instead, the will be free to do what they are best prepared to do and most interested in doing: technical training and coaching" (Adler, 1984)(p.158).