The idea of post-work is interesting, but the future in my mind looks more like "pre-work." By that I mean a generalized return to the way economies functioned

The idea of post-work is interesting, but the future in my mind looks more like "pre-work." By that I mean a generalized return to the way economies functioned before the Industrial Revolution, rather than a transcendence into some vague new way of life that's radically different than anything experienced before. With my limited understanding of history, I understand that jobs still existed before industry. Extreme wealth inequality existed as well. The difference is that most wealth is inherited, except for artisans and administrators, who concentrate mainly in cities, and traveling merchants. And the concept of a job being something that defines who you are and carries your entire family from poverty into affluence will probably die out. It's already dying to an extent.