[hn_throawlles]

the real issue is not about what I mean by "Need"

the real difficulties in these arguments come from defining (or trying to) what we mean by "this society", in part because society has many distinct (but intertwined) components

in regards to food, and those things we need but cannot automate, it's not so simple.

because of how capitalism works at dropping costs, in many cases what we actually get is lesser quality things that we absolutely need (like food).

When this gets really really nasty is when applied to education. made cheaper because everybody needs one, but also made shittier, thereby creating people who cannot refuse certain propositions and choices.

shitty education (shitty food) directly contributing to the continued 'availability' of poor people who cannot refuse shitty deals. in this light it could almost be concluded that this system is self-sustaining? ugh.