Each day I work with Master Chang toying copper coils into large D.C. electric motors at the Shanghai Electric Motor Factory. We arise at six, begin the work day at 7:00, have an hour for lunch in the factory canteen at 10:45, return to work until 3:00. In the evening there are study groups, sports, evening classes or time to be alone with your family. Workers usually retire around 9:00.
The work pace in the shops is very relaxed. There is no frenzy, no complaining and little of the tension which surrounds most American workers. There is always time to stop and chat. It is not uncommon to see people standing now and again in small groups around the floor of the shop talking and smiling. Since each worker sees his piece of equipment through many stages of production (both manual and automated), there is no assembly line pressure. Master Chang works slowly and thoroughly.