> My fantasy version of utopia is a peaceful, post-scarcity society where no one ever needs to work, and automatically gets a life of luxury simply because it's available and costs nothing.

Contrast with... "If you want a vision of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face - forever." -- George Orwell.

Sadly, I think we're still closer to Mr Orwell's vision at this point in time, in spite of have more material comforts and resources available than at any point in history.

To get to your utopian vision, we'll need to permanently break free of our primate instincts. That's not going to be easy.