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There are a lot of ideological assumptions underlying the very concept of wealth creation, but even if you buy into those I don't think that statement is true. Bezos could only be responsible for creating the difference between him and the hypothetical other most wealth creating possibilities, and there is no reason that difference couldn't be negative.

Jonas Salk, inventor of the Polio vaccine, chose not to patent his creation or seek any profit from it. Imagine the alternative where Jonas Salk patents the Polio vaccine, sells each dose for the profit maximizing price, and becomes one of the wealthiest people in the world. Which scenario led to more overall wealth?




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