In a world where everyone farms, being able to do something different that people needs is valuable. And the less people who can do this and the more needed the skill, the more valuable it is. Because value is relative.
So we all ended up pursuing the "higher value jobs", the "white collared jobs", because back then, not everyone had those skills. Relatively, they were able to command a premium over other jobs. And people in those jobs could live a life that is much better materially compared to the rest.
But with education, those skills are becoming more widespread. Their value drops. Trying to aim for that same level of material comfort means having to work harder.
And once those common skills of the past start being forgotten, those who still remember them will gain in value. Because those skills are needed too, and with less people able to perform them, their relative value increases.
So if you are aiming for material comfort, you need to always pursue those skills that few people have. If you prefer to stick with the masses, you either have to work harder, or lower your expectations.
So we all ended up pursuing the "higher value jobs", the "white collared jobs", because back then, not everyone had those skills. Relatively, they were able to command a premium over other jobs. And people in those jobs could live a life that is much better materially compared to the rest.
But with education, those skills are becoming more widespread. Their value drops. Trying to aim for that same level of material comfort means having to work harder.
And once those common skills of the past start being forgotten, those who still remember them will gain in value. Because those skills are needed too, and with less people able to perform them, their relative value increases.
So if you are aiming for material comfort, you need to always pursue those skills that few people have. If you prefer to stick with the masses, you either have to work harder, or lower your expectations.
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