His Own Labor

Name: His Own Labor
Author: Charlotte Perkins Gilman

The work explores the concept of labor and its inherent value, questioning the fairness of how society distributes the fruits of individual effort. It begins with a call for justice, advocating that every person should receive the product of their labor. However, it quickly reveals the complexities of this notion, emphasizing that no individual truly creates in isolation; rather, everyone benefits from the collective contributions of humanity. The text critiques the idea that one should only receive what they can produce alone, illustrating the absurdity of such a standard. It highlights the interconnectedness of human effort, where the achievements of great thinkers, artists, and laborers enrich society as a whole. The author argues that individuals are indebted to the collective labor of others, and thus, the fruits of one's labor should not be limited to personal output but should encompass the shared wealth of human endeavor. Ultimately, the work posits that true justice in labor cannot be measured solely by individual contributions, as every person is a product of their environment and the efforts of those who came before them. It calls for a recognition of this interconnectedness and a reevaluation of how society values and compensates labor.

By Charlotte Perkins Gilman · First published 1890 · Genre: Fiction, Social criticism, Feminist literature · 848 words

First lines

Let every man be given what he earns! We cry, and call it justice. Let him have The product of his labor-and no more! Well, then, let us begin with life's first needs, And give him of the earth what he can make; As much of air and light as he can make, As much of ocean, and sweet wind and rain, And flowers, and grass, and fruit, as he can make. But no, we answer this is mockery: No man makes these things. But of human wealth Let every man be given what he makes, The product of his labor, and no more. Ah, well! So to the farmer let us give Corn, and still corn, and only corn at last. So to the grazier, meat; the fisher, fish; Cloth to the weaver; to the mason, walls; And let the writer sit and read his books- The product of his labor-and naught else! But no, we answer! Still you laugh at us. We mean not his own labor in that sense, But his share in the work of other men. As much of what they make as he can buy In fair exchange for labor of his own. So let it be. As much of life's rich fruit- The product of the labor of the world- As he can equal with his own two hands, His own supply of energy and skill! As much of Shakespeare, Homer, Socrates, As much of Wagner, Beethoven, and Bach, As much of Franklin, Morse, and Edison, As much of Watt, and Stephenson and Bell, Of Euclid, Aristotle, Angelo, Columbus, Raleigh, and George Washington, Of all the learning of our patient years, Of all the peace and smoothness we have won, Of all the heaped up sciences and arts, And luxuries that man has ever made,- He is to have what his own toil can match! Or, passing even this, giving no thought To this our heritage, our vast bequest, Condemn him to no more of human help From living men than he can give to them! Toil of the soldiers on the western plains, Toil of the hardened sailors on the sea, Toil of the sweating ploughman in the field, The engine-driver, digger in the mine, And weary weaver in the roaring mill. Of all the hands and brains and hearts that toil To fill the world with riches day by day, Shall he have naught of this but what one man Can give return for from his own supply? Brother-There is no payment in the world! We work and pour our labor at the feet Of those who are around us and to come. We live and take our living at the hands Of those who are around us and have been. No one is paid. No person can have more Than he can hold. And none can do beyond The power that's in him. To each child that's born Belongs as much of all our human good As he can take and use to make him strong. And from each man, debtor to all the world, Is due the fullest fruit of all his powers, His whole life's labor, proudly rendered up, Not as return-can moments pay an age? But as the simple duty of a man. Can he do less-receiving everything?

What this Textopian page supports

His Own Labor is listed on Textopian as a short story by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, dated 1890 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Short story
Author: Charlotte Perkins Gilman
Date: 1890 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fiction, Social criticism, Feminist literature, Utopian literature
Length: 848 words
Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for His Own Labor by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
Readability and classroom-planning context
Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering His Own Labor?
How does this short story by Charlotte Perkins Gilman fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Fiction first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Fiction — Given Charlotte Perkins Gilman's repertoire, it is reasonable to assume this book falls into the category of fiction, without specific details it is hard to peg it to a more exact genre.
Social criticism — Gilman frequently employs social criticism in her works, there could be elements of this in 'His Own Labor.'
Feminist literature — Gilman is known for her feminist works, it is possible 'His Own Labor' could contain elements relating to gender inequality and women's rights.
Utopian literature — Given Gilman's known work such as 'Herland,' 'His Own Labor' might exhibit traces of an ideal society in her feminist perspective.