The laborer isn't having 95% of the value they're creating taken though. As you said, the labor went from 50% of the value created to 5%. The machine is produci

The laborer isn't having 95% of the value they're creating taken though. As you said, the labor went from 50% of the value created to 5%. The machine is producing most of the value. Now factor in the laborer being easily replaced by any other unskilled laborer. > it was really only a matter of time before the guy actually digging all the post holes your selling might ask how this arrangement is fair. No one said it's "fair" as in all outcomes being equal. But it is "fair" in the sense that the laborer is being paid in proportion to the value they are creating vs the cost to find a replacement. If the laborer wants to improve their situation, they need to figure something out besides mindlessly digging holes someone else tells them to.