"Any philosophy that doesn't account for the essential labor of civilization has an unrecoverable problem" -> True, and here's where I hope increased automation will provide a sustainable and equitable solution. When managing a sewer or drain means programming a robot equipped with sensors and cleaning tools, then cleaning a sewer is no longer something that requires a system that subjugates a set of people to do this unenviable task for low wages.
Yet, social structures persist in many countries and the technology has not achieved sufficient penetration. Ultimately any debate about work or retirement will devolve into politics and why certain sections of people remain poor and unable to get to a position of financial comfort. But talking about UBI, early retirement etc is doubly important because these problems are always dismissed as aristocratic, but the fact is most people suffer from the consequences.
Yet, social structures persist in many countries and the technology has not achieved sufficient penetration. Ultimately any debate about work or retirement will devolve into politics and why certain sections of people remain poor and unable to get to a position of financial comfort. But talking about UBI, early retirement etc is doubly important because these problems are always dismissed as aristocratic, but the fact is most people suffer from the consequences.