In this era when people talk a lot about corporate greed, I remember a brief period when a lot of idealistic talk was heard.  It was in the sixties.   We thought we were in a new world, that modern technology was going to steadily make life better, and easier for those who suffered. 

 One of our expectations was that the increasing productivity gains made possible by computers, robotics and modern technology in general, would lead to shorter work weeks, with workers making the same income but for fewer hours of work.  But this utopian dream was dashed by business owners, who of course preferred the alternative scenario: more profit with fewer workers.   So profit again won out, over the hope of a better life for workers.