[sphinx]

In his writings, Marx envisioned a future in which people would be “free from labour” and focus their energies on being artists and philosophers.

That is indeed the attraction of Marxism for so many intellectuals. But it doesn't offer many prospects for the 99.9 percent who are not fitted to be artists and philosophers. Life without purpose is hard. Life in which one has no opportunity for achievement and distinction breeds resentment. And resentment is the glue that holds the left together.

[Army Air Corps]

And you hit the nail squarely on the head.

[Sherman Logan]

I may be slightly less pessimistic than you. I think the percentage of the population that could lead happy and useful lives if relieved of the need for productive labor is considerably higher.

Somewhere between 5% and 25%, perhaps.

But of course that still leaves 75% to 95% of the population screwed.

My other concern is that it seems to me this is the natural end point of the free market economy. The market commits suicide and puts itself out of business.

So is there any way to stop or slow this process other than massive government intervention, a cure perhaps worse than the disease?