Luddites activists in the 19th-century fought against the growing trend of economizing the labor force, fueled by a looming fear of technological unemployment and poorer working conditions. They argued that the machines would reduce the demand for skilled work and lower wages. Their efforts were ultimately defeated due to the consumer market's preference for cheaper products made in the factory. The Luddite Fallacy was born out of this struggle - the belief that advancements in technology reduces the total number of available jobs. Where in actuality the new technology only changed the composition of the labor workforce and opened up opportunity for and exploitation of low-skilled workers

So, in light of the inevitable future of automation, should we not just apply the Luddite Fallacy?

Short answer: no. Longer answer: read on.