As for the "rich" — without government enforced monopolies, their wealth is a representation of how much value they provide to society. Which roughly translates into their support by society. A bit like representative democracy, but more decentralized.

[–] rektdeckard@lemmy.world 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

By that logic, thieves are virtuous and valued by society. In reality, the wealthy are creating value for themselves and their peers, and we operate on a system more like $1 = 1 vote, rather than 1 person = 1 vote. This system is usually called a plutocracy.

[–] SneakyThunder@sh.itjust.works 0 points 1 year ago

By that logic, thieves are virtuous and valued by society.

Thieves are forced to return what they stole, they don't (usually) accumulate capital

In reality, the wealthy are creating value for themselves and their peers

Could you please provide an example? Even something like Apple products (luxuries) are used by people that can't be called rich. So it's hard for me to understand how wealthy could create their separate economy