The problem with automation is that it can suck the soul out of a job and turn something fulfilling and productive (say, a job as a woodworker) into something much more productive but devoid of fulfillment (say, working a cog in a furniture factory).

In the past this tradeoff probably was obvious: a farmer's individual fulfillment is less important than feeding a starving community.

I'm not so sure this tradeoff is obvious now. Will the increased productivity justify the loss of meaning and fulfillment that comes from robbing most jobs of autonomy and dignity? Will we become humans that have literally everything we need except the ability for self-actualization?

Humans are risk averse and loss averse. You see the downsides and are fearful but can't yet see the upsides or underestimate them. Why not make the same argument for internet and computers? We would've been better off without them? If AI makes doctors more efficient would you have your child die to make the doctor's life more fulfilling?