“That is where you misunderstand the meaning of the word work,” he explained, with something of the manner of a schoolmaster to a backward pupil. “Our people do work, and work diligently indeed, and sometimes work many hours a day--but not on those barren practical duties to which they are assigned, and which are necessary merely in order that the community may exist. As soon as any man or woman has passed the period of elementary instruction and is assigned to service by this Committee, he finds himself in possession of many leisure hours a day--and those hours of leisure constitute the important part of his life, and it is on their account that he is to be congratulated on reaching maturity. For now he may have the opportunity both for self-expression and for the better sort of service to the State; he may devote himself to study, research or creation in any field that suits his fancy (there is absolutely no restriction in this regard, although every one is expected to apply himself to some definite pursuit). One, for example, may elect to paint landscapes; a second to conduct some elaborate philosophic inquiry; a third to write poetry; a fourth to investigate the ways of marine animals; a fifth to be an actor, or a musical virtuoso, or the author of historical essays, or a critic of architecture, or a designer of fine tapestries.” “But what if one finds nothing at all that he can do?” I inquired, wondering how on earth I could fit myself into this superior scheme of things. “Oh, but one must find something!” declared the Head Member, while his colleagues eyed one another with looks implying that I was really too naïve for belief. “It would be a disgrace to do nothing at all except one’s practical duties. It would mean that one had been a failure in life; that one’s existence had added nothing to the world. Why, there isn’t more than one such a case a year--and then it’s usually found that the poor sufferer has been the victim of some accident, which blunted his mental faculties.” The Head Member paused; and while I had horrific visions of myself as the first failure in a year, one of the members just to the rear of the Head Member leaned over and whispered something into his ear. Just what he said I could not catch, but the evident effect was to hasten proceedings, for the chief official promptly turned to me, and, with unwonted directness, continued, “Well, now that we have made all the necessary explanations, let us get down to the actual assignment. Just what sort of work do you think you would prefer, young man?” Having no reason to believe that I would prefer any work at all, I did nothing but gape blankly at the speaker. “I am surprised at your hesitancy,” that sedate individual at length continued, blandly. “There is so much for you to do that I should think you would simply overwhelm us with suggestions.” * * * * *