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> By considering this form of work cheap and lowly, aren't we undermining our own foundations? Since money seems to be the prime motivator in our capitalistic society, why aren't we putting it towards those who advance it the most?

It's a simple matter of supply and demand. While you're right, physical labor is hard, it's something that doesn't tend to require anything other than a willingness to work. As such, there are quite a few people willing to do it. A highly specialized job that requires training and experience is going to pay more simply because there are less people around to do it.

You also seem to think that all people who do physical labor aren't paid well. No, it's the people who do the unskilled physical labor. A highly skilled machinist is worth quite a bit. Something like construction, which takes more than just flipping burgers, also pays pretty decently. When was the last time you called a plumber? A roofer? A painter? A mechanic? These are all physical jobs that, if you are good at, pay very well.

I'd also like to note that the richest man in the world (Bill G) was until recently working like 18-20 hour days. Whether or not I like the man or his company, there's not doubt that he worked like mad to get where he is.

Stephen