Economics Lesson from THE REFORMATION

Here is a particularly wry quote from THE REFORMATION by Will Durant, page 752.1: "Civilization is a parasite on the man with the hoe." This is a profound observation on economics. Knowing that in order for a civilization to reach great accomplishments a corresponding increase in the labor of the worker must occur, makes me wonder who is doing all the work to permit us to have all the essentials of life and time to enjoy some luxuries? An increase in population only aggravates the problem, for the workers at the bottom must still sustain themselves. Is there enough surplus effort being exerted to support our way of life, or is it being artificially propped up by Divine intervention?
(Deus Vult)