Idle Hands and Empty Hearts: Work and Freedom in the United States

In this thought-provoking new book, Neala Schleuning searches for the meaning of work in our society. Compellingly written, Idle Hands and Empty Hearts studies the politics and economics, as well as the philosophy and art, of work. Schleuning seeks to find out what work is, what it used to be, why we work, and what is wrong with work today. She places ideas about work in their history and culture and offers new ideas about what work should be, and what role it should play in our lives.

Schleuning distills all of the central questions having to do with work in our time: why do human beings work; what can we learn about work from history; what is the impact of technology on work; how does work affect our political lives; do women have a different perspective on work; and finally, what is Good Work and how do we create a future in which good work can be realized? Anyone who ever wondered about the role of work in his or her life will find Idle Hands and Empty Hearts a source of stimulating ideas.