The same way Columbus gave us our massive modern international shipping infrastructure. It's a small step in a large process. You don't just jump from A to B.

The same way Columbus gave us our massive modern international shipping infrastructure. It's a small step in a large process. You don't just jump from A to B. In this case, getting nearer to post-scarcity will undoubtedly involve capturing a much larger portion of the Sun's energy output (only one billionth reaches Earth), which will require significantly more developed space industries. Or if fusion becomes viable, we will need to harvest some of the more efficient inputs, such as He3 from the moon. The technologies we develop to accomplish these endeavors will provide enormous benefits to all humans, including those still living on Earth.