The concept of paid work has been deeply ingrained in most societies for centuries. It has been the primary means of earning a living, accessing resources, and participating in economic systems. However, whether paid work is inevitable depends on the context and the evolution of societal values, norms, and structures.

With advancements in technology and automation, there have been discussions about the potential for a post-scarcity economy where basic needs can be met without traditional paid work. The idea of a universal income has gained traction as a way to provide individuals with a financial safety net but not always to free them from the necessity of traditional employment. This is because most societies still rely on a normative positive value associate to paid work. Is this inevitable? How can societies move forward?