Should non-passionate employees be fired?

These days, as I read HN and other IT blogs, it seems like we expect everyone should be passionate, work super hard and keep themselves up to date - even if that means working extra hours at home.

I had similar views. But I joined a new company last month. I do see some smart and hard working people. However, for 90% of people here its business as usual. They talk, laugh, joke...everyone is friendly. The software is crap. Still everything works and business is in profit. There are old people too. Many have kids. They have responsibilities. I can understand why they are not really enthusiastic about technology. People have more important thing than work - family. Also they are getting old. They can't keep up and they do not have the same energy.

I wonder where would these people fit in a world where we all are putting so much pressure to work super hard and be smart. Is be passionate or perish ideology good? Or is it that few people at the right place at right time bragging on their blogs for popularity? Do they think of the world as a whole while writing?