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 Originally Posted by a500lbgorilla
Having a huge box of money, gold or diamonds is not having a huge box of wealth though.
And two people can start with nothing but the sweat producers of their brows, one can generate less wealth but have a bigger box of money in time.
It may be that I'm just talking about wealth holders and wealth generators, but it seems like a more clear understanding when I think of money and wealth as separate and uncoupled.
A huge box of gold and diamonds is wealth. Gold and diamonds hold value to other people -- the definition of wealth. Wealth = something valued by other people. It includes literally anything we are willing to work or trade to get, including food, housing, medicine, gold, money, diamonds, computers... anything.
Yes, two people can generate the same amount of wealth and be differently compensated. The only reason this exists is because of forced restrictions on free exchange. With no restrictions wealth generated can be traded for its exact value to society, but with each trade quality of life goes up exponentially.
We can see this with Bill Gates, who created much more value than the 30 billion he now holds. The world would not give up what he created in exchange for 30 billion dollars; it is worth much more to us now.
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