> But, since most of the work in this world is irrelevant for the survival of the species (and likely threatens it anyway), we are largely trying to make enough from it so that we can retire and never have to do it again.

Well, actually, it's not that people in general are always thinking about retirement or that they are in the constant pursuit and search to retire and do nothing else anymore. I think that rather, what actually everyone is looking for as the ultimate goal, either consciously or unconsciously, is having the power of choice. I mean, to have the power to choose to do whatever they want, whenever and wherever they want without that implying an obligation and responsibility at any time.

And in my opinion, this goal is quite possible to achieve whether by being filthy rich or filthy poor in equal measure. :)