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Software is actually very special: it can be an economic good (sold by companies), or service, or given away for free as open-source by volunteers.

A few weeks ago I heard a message about there being 3 major forms of investment: private companies (stocks), governments (bonds) and property (banks).

All these want to show exponential, compounding growth, but that isn't what happens. Stocks follow a business cycle of expand-contract. Governments grow in proportion to tax base, which is related to population. Property has been increasing in price due to the ever-increasing population, but this is likely to plateau soon.

I fear the day when companies realise that they can make more money for their shareholders by destroying governments and property through starting a war. (c.f. United Fruit Company, but with private space rockets = missiles).

What's a good investment during a war? I believe that philanthropy is the solution.

Schindler invested in his List of employees, rather than some economic instrument. They looked after him during his later years. People will try to protect their own lives, and if I die, I don't need the return on investment anyway.

Social connections can continue to grow factorially, as the world gets more connected. I think that this is always good, because it promotes peace and understanding among the diverse cultures that exist. I don't know how that can be harnessed economically, and I dislike the advertising model used by private companies to monetise the network. Still, I think that encouraging social connection will create viral growth, and be beneficial to the world.




>Software is actually very special: it can be an economic good (sold by companies), or service, or given away for free as open-source by volunteers.

Is it really that special though or are we on HN just trying to feel special?

I can think of plenty of other sectors of the economy that claim could apply towards.

E.g., “Healthcare is actually very special: it can be an economic good (sold by companies), or service, or given away for free by volunteers.”

“Energy is actually very special: it can be an economic good (sold by companies), or service, or given away for free by governments.”




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