Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the disparity between the predicted reduction in working hours due to increased productivity and the current reality where people work longer hours, highlighting the need for a reevaluation of work culture and labor rights in modern society [2][3][4]. Group 1: Historical Context and Current Reality - Historical figures like Hayek, Keynes, and Marx envisioned a future where productivity would allow for shorter working hours and greater leisure time [2]. - Current productivity levels have vastly exceeded those predictions, yet average working hours remain high, with Chinese workers averaging 49 hours per week [3][4]. - The article notes that in certain industries, such as technology and internet sectors, employees often work over 240 hours a month, reflecting a culture of overwork [3]. Group 2: Health and Well-being - The article highlights the physical and mental health issues arising from excessive work hours, including increased prevalence of diseases and even sudden deaths among workers [4]. - There is a growing trend of individuals using creative self-care methods to cope with workplace pressures, such as using USB devices to simulate work activity to avoid monitoring [4]. Group 3: Changing Work Culture - The emergence of movements like "996.ICU" and "digital nomadism" reflects a shift in attitudes towards work, with younger generations seeking better work-life balance and reduced hours [5][6]. - The article discusses the global trend of reevaluating work ethics, with various countries exploring reduced working hours as a response to the demands of modern labor [7][21]. Group 4: Theoretical Perspectives - The article references the "Post-Work" theory, which critiques the current work system and suggests a need for a fundamental change in how work is perceived and organized [8][9]. - Scholars argue that the essence of capitalism creates a cycle of desire and consumption that traps individuals in a relentless work culture, undermining their well-being [10]. Group 5: Future Directions - The article suggests that a new distribution system, such as universal basic income, could alleviate the pressures of work and allow individuals to pursue meaningful activities outside of traditional employment [24][41]. - It emphasizes the importance of investing in human welfare, including healthcare and education, to create a more balanced society that values individual well-being over mere productivity [25][41].