Industrial Progress and Human Economics

A visionary industrialist and future Vermont governor offers his practical philosophy for making machines serve human needs. James Hartness, who rescued a failing machine shop and turned it into a model of efficiency, writes from firsthand experience rather than abstract theory. He argues that true industrial progress requires understanding the "human economics" at play: the energy, motivation, and coordination that transform raw labor into productive output. Drawing on his success in Vermont's manufacturing sector, Hartness proposes a collaborative model where workers, managers, and investors work in concert rather than opposition. The book tackles regional disparities in American productivity, arguing that communities like Vermont could flourish if they adopted smarter industrial practices that valued human insight as much as mechanical innovation. Written in 1921, this is a time capsule of Progressive Era thinking about work, management, and prosperity, offering an intriguing window into how early 20th century industrialists imagined a more humane economy.