From Ripley’s 1919 “Life in a Large Manufacturing Plant:”
Professor Robert G. Wall, in a recent address, said: “Imagine 100 men, all 25 years old, and all fully equipped mentally and physically. Tell them to seek their fortunes in the world and report back to you at the age of 65. In 40 years’ time 34 of these men will be dead, 56 will be dependent upon relatives or charitable organizations, five will still be earning their daily bread, four will be wealthy, and one will be rich. These are facts, statistics compiled by the insurance companies!”
He went on to argue that young men should beware of learning trades which would become obsolete, such as truck driving, “a trade which is being displaced by the automobile.” He also warned against getting involved in horseshoeing, steam trades, kerosene or gas lighting, or setting type by hand. “It is dangerous for the future of a young man to learn a trade which will practically cease to exist during his lifetime.”
His essential point, used here to support the General Electric apprenticeship program, was that learning electricity would be a lasting value. He wasn’t wrong.