Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 47.djvu/89

Rh use of machinery and the development of methods of production and distribution necessitate the employ of a constantly increasing, number of men of the higher grades of ability and intelligence and the efforts of other grades of those who work increase both in vigor and system toward securing the greatest remuneration for their services. The result, as amply proved by statistics, is that the reward of effort constantly increases both by reason that wages, salaries, and incomes become greater, and the prices of commodities and of the result of services become less. That this holds true even during the radical industrial readjustment of the past two years is evidenced by the following extract from the editorial summary of business in Dun's Review of January 5, 1895:

"The complete review of different branches of business given to-day places in a clear light the fact that prices of commodities are at the lowest level ever known. Eight years ago, in July, prices averaged only 73·69 per cent of the same articles and in the same markets January 1, 1860, and this remained the lowest point ever touched until August 10, 1893, when the average fell to 72·76, but early this year prices dropped below all previous records and have never recovered, the average December 26th being only 68·73 per cent of the prices in 1860. These changes contrast sharply with the decline of wages paid per hour's work, which, as was shown last week, average only 1·2 per cent less than a year ago."

It should, however, be perceived that the greatest contribution which any one can make to the totality of effort is not the result of effort pushed to excess in any one direction for a limited time, for such effort results in the premature impairment of physical and mental power; but the total result of his efforts for the longest time that his mental and physical efficiency can be preserved. It therefore follows that periods of expenditure should be followed by periods of recuperation; that each man for the benefit both of himself and of society should have that rest and recreation and the opportunity for that bodily and mental gratification which offset the wear and tear of energy persistently expended in one direction, and contribute to the preservation and symmetrical development and rounding of his bodily and mental life.

All the foregoing statement leads irresistibly to the conclusion that each man should work as best he can in fulfillment of his duty to himself and his duty to all others, whether his contemporaries or those who come after him. And therefore stands clear and firm the corollary that each man should find pleasure and satisfaction in that work which it is possible for him to do. And it doubtless would be so if throughout the world all people recognized the full meaning of work, and it were true, and