By reading this passage “No long term: the new work and the corrosion of character” by sociologist Richard Sennett, published for the first time in The Personal Consequences of Working in the New Capitalism (1998); he begins by asserting that today's work ethic is so different from that of past generations. Sennett notes that in past generations things were done in the long term and today things are short term, resulting in a conflict between character and experience. As I read, it broadened my opinion on how much has changed in such a short time when it comes to work ethic. Without doubt, Sennett has a compelling academic background; being a professor of humanities at New York University and the London School of Economics. Perhaps this is why his writing is easy to understand, making the reader feel almost informative. Sennett has done a quality job of showing no bias towards either generation, but hints that he is leaning more towards today with economic progress. Sennett describes the contrast in stability between Enrico and his son Rico. Enrico is a janitor who enjoys a pension, job security within a union, and the peace of mind of knowing where he will end his life in the job market. On the other hand, Rico has moved four times since graduating from college, he feels out of control, with no fixed role as to what he is responsible for in terms of work, and no security in his current job. Sennett makes an important point in his thinking about time: "How can one pursue long-term goals in a short-term society... How can a human being develop a narrative of identity and life story in a society composed of episodes and fragments (226)?" I think his conclusions are reasonable that history is what shapes us, ...... middle of paper ......r today 'today as to past generations The author has provided a comprehensive amount of evidence on human behavior, demographics and social class I would have liked to see the opinion of some experts stating that the current generation lacks character because. of his workplace In other words, I feel that this passage is more from a sociologist's point of view than from empirical research. I think Sennett focuses too much on the personal consequences of work and not. on the social consequences It could also have included more information on the social effects of our lack of stability. Works Cited Behrens, Laurence and Leonard J. Rosen. Write and read as part of the program. Boston: Longman, 2011. Print. September 11, 2011Sago, Brad. Uncommon Topics: Repairing the Generation Gap Work. Executive Update, July 2000. Web.September 12. 2011.