It doesn't matter how clever our technology is, if it can only support itself by denying employment to a large part of its citizens, it has failed. Giving society the ability to consume what society produces is the economy's job, its responsibility.
People are willing to work, if given half a chance. If digging canals with spoons is stupid, then maybe those people who hire the diggers should think more creatively. Isn't that why we allow them to be boss?

I know its not part of the Libertarian Litany, TB, but the PURPOSE of the economy is to provide goods/services AND employment, not to give entrepreneurs an opportunity for creativity and sport. If they do a good job, they deserve to be rewarded. If they can't provide enough jobs for people to buy what they need, it is not acceptable. The economy that cannot provide sufficient jobs is simply not working, even if a few strategically placed individuals find it very rewarding.

And for the economy that is not doing its job, sooner or later, fair or not, the pitchforks, torches and the guillotines will come into play.