Quote:
Originally Posted by fbmfor  Take for instance trading. Lots of people have trading as a career or as a main activity. Some are successful and some are not, like with any other money making method. But their success doesn't depend on the value they provide to others. |
Value to others doesn't necessarily have to be good for society, intended by, or apparent to the person engaged in income generation. A person could be a day-trader and never see the value his activity has to others.
The corporations who's equity he trades in, benefit though, because without active trading it would be difficult for them to raise new money by issuing new shares and such. There are investors who support good corporations by buying and holding their stock for everyone's benefit. Trading or equity investing also benefits the general public because companies not performing well are devalued and motivated to improve, while good performance is rewarded and encouraged. Many investors practice ethical investing, where they invest in companies who's corporate purpose is to improve society.
we should make the distinction though, that income is generated by
perceived value. The value doesn't have to be real; it only has to appear to be real. It's morally wrong of course, but it is the basis for all scams and fraud. It's up to us which side of the ethical fence we want to be on, but the same principals work on both.
Cheers,
John
Paintings of British Columbia - John Rocheleau