Occupy and Move: These concepts are the key to wealth. Here, ‘occupy’ means owning goods, and ‘move’ refers to transferring ownership through exchange. Wealth is built by accumulating possessions. For accumulation to occur, a good must first be owned by someone else and then transferred. The transfer of ownership is what I call the movement of goods. To transfer, a payment is made to the current owner, usually in currency. Currency simplifies exchanges, as it is easier to move and issue than physical goods. Today, currency moves electronically, accelerating transactions. Had goods always been exchanged directly for other goods, exchanges and wealth accumulation would progress more slowly and inefficiently. The economic system now manages prices by adjusting the money supply, controlling the value of goods relative to currency, since money is easier to manage than goods. Business and investment outcomes depend on whether wealth is stored in money or in goods. If you emphasize goods, pat...
What defines an elite? Is it someone who has studied a lot and done well? Is it someone who has a lot of experience? If so, is it someone who has a lousy personality despite having prominent abilities? The word elite comes from “meritocracy.” People who have worked harder than others and won the competition believe they should receive more benefits. Excessive meritocracy harms the common good. “If you’re envious and regretful, you do so too! Can’t you do that?” stems from the misguided belief that one’s success and victories are solely due to one’s own efforts. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”