Ausgabe 231 - Mit der Rohrzange epiliert

In 'Schulden: die ersten 5000 Jahre', David Graeber argues that debt has been a fundamental aspect of human societies for over 5,000 years, predating the use of money. He examines how credit systems were used to trade goods and how debates on debt and forgiveness have shaped political revolts, law, and religion. Graeber critiques both liberal and socialist traditions for their limited understanding of social relations and presents a detailed historical construction of the transition from gift economies to market economies. He also discusses the moral and social implications of debt, including its role in shaping honor, dignity, and social mores.

In 'Bullshit Jobs: A Theory', David Graeber argues that a significant portion of jobs in modern society are meaningless and contribute little to no value. He categorizes these jobs into five types: flunkies, goons, duct tapers, box tickers, and taskmasters. Graeber contends that these jobs are not only inefficient but also psychologically destructive, leading to chronic misery and social divisions. The book is based on his 2013 essay 'On the Phenomenon of Bullshit Jobs' and includes testimonials from workers who feel their jobs are pointless. Graeber suggests solutions such as unions and universal basic income to address the issue of meaningless work.