I think with sufficiently advanced technology, employment will not be necessary. However, I am not convinced we are anywhere near that. You mentioned luddites and it's true that technology has been putting people out of work for hundreds or even thousands of years. Just think how many people with shovels bulldozers and backhoes put out of work. However, new technology tends to also create new jobs. It's not so much that jobs have been lost, it's that the types of jobs have changed and change, as always, will continue.

Having said that, I'm fully supportive of projects like Manna. As long as it is voluntary, it is a good thing.