From What Life Means to Me

Jacqueline Procter
Journal # 28
March 21, 2008
Jack London


Quote:
Summary: I learned further, that brain was likewise a commodity. It too was different from muscle. A brain seller was only at his prime when he was fifty or sixty... and his wares were fetching higher prices than ever. But a laborer ... broken down at forty-five of fifty.

Summary:
Jack London has decided that his work of hard labor is over, as he will now pursue his intellect as a means of making a living – first he needs to educate himself.

Response:
I agree whole-heartedly. The man/woman without an education always gets the shaft. I really don’t know how blue-collar workers are able to perform menial tasks well into old age. I’m thinking housekeepers in the hotel industry, (I did it in Montana and it sucked - not to mention that I incurred an injury that I’m still dealing with – neuroma between 3rd and 4th metacarpal – resulting from fractured metacarpal) road crews and roofers -- having to endue the hot sun and tar. I guess you build up endurance. If you can carry a calf, pretty soon you can carry a cow – my grandmothers saying.

The point is that London’s commentary is still relevant today. Industry will use and abuse the common man/woman – all injuries incurred while on the job are not their problem – workers’ Compensation is a joke.

London was very astute – guess he had time to think when he was arrested for vagrancy. Life is hard and there should be more compensation for labor workers who basically give their life and ruin their health in the pursuit of eking out a meager existence. The man/woman who advances in life is the one with an education.