The Diversion of Human Energy: How Work Has Become a Commodity in Modern Societies
Portuguese version of this article [Download the essay in English] Introduction In a universe dominated by the second law of thermodynamics, where entropy is an inevitable constant, life defies this trend by maintaining order and complexity through free energy. Human energy, generated incessantly and autonomously by the cells of the human body, is not only the vital force that sustains biological processes but also the main source of energy that fuels the complex structures and operations of contemporary societies. This essay explores the transformation of human energy from a resource for subsistence and social cohesion into a tradable commodity in modern societies. 1. Introduction The centrality of human energy in modern society is a theme that challenges conventional notions of labor and economy. Through a detailed analysis, this essay seeks to understand how human energy transitioned from being a vital resource for subsistence and social cohesion to becoming an essential…