It's the only way to increase the net standard of living, and richer, healthier, more comfortable conditions is generally a common human interest.
We could have stopped increasing our productivity in 1820, but I doubt most people today would like living at an 1820s standard, and in 200 years time, I think people will be glad they aren't living at a 2020's standard.
We could have stopped increasing our productivity in 1820, but I doubt most people today would like living at an 1820s standard, and in 200 years time, I think people will be glad they aren't living at a 2020's standard.