Henry Ford and Happiness
March 26th 2007 12:28
Henry Ford shows no hesitation in stating that the purpose of material success is to increase one’s happiness.
He puts it this way: work brings material goods such as shelter, clothes and food. If you do not think that increases one’s happiness think of what your life would be like without them.
In fact, Ford states it bluntly in page 248 of “Today and Tomorrow”: “Matter and spirit are terms we use to make distinctions which perhaps do not exist.”
He then goes on to say that the purpose of life is to obtain health, wealth and happiness. While happiness is certainly a personal thing, it is hard to deny health and wealth would not contribute to our happiness.
Again, just think of what you would feel being diseased and living in poverty.
Ford asks whether there is morality in what he does. He notes that he produces and sells a needed commodity with considerable quality and for a low price in the process paying his employees a high wages. To Ford that is public service and is moral.
Compare this with the business that sells luxury goods for a high price while paying low wages to employees and you will know that Ford has had an impact in society.
One thing Ford says for sure won’t change: it is that (page 251) “there is no way out from poverty except through work.”
He puts it this way: work brings material goods such as shelter, clothes and food. If you do not think that increases one’s happiness think of what your life would be like without them.
In fact, Ford states it bluntly in page 248 of “Today and Tomorrow”: “Matter and spirit are terms we use to make distinctions which perhaps do not exist.”
He then goes on to say that the purpose of life is to obtain health, wealth and happiness. While happiness is certainly a personal thing, it is hard to deny health and wealth would not contribute to our happiness.
Again, just think of what you would feel being diseased and living in poverty.
Ford asks whether there is morality in what he does. He notes that he produces and sells a needed commodity with considerable quality and for a low price in the process paying his employees a high wages. To Ford that is public service and is moral.
Compare this with the business that sells luxury goods for a high price while paying low wages to employees and you will know that Ford has had an impact in society.
One thing Ford says for sure won’t change: it is that (page 251) “there is no way out from poverty except through work.”
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