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96. But that's not quite the case today, because of the relentless commercialization of so much creative and scientific work. If it's good in theory, it will get applied, and when it's applied, people get rich.
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98. We denizens of the rich world are not going to starve if we pursue our weird and esoteric interests, even if doing so is not in our immediate economic interest. And they might lead to something useful enough to be lucrative.
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99. Global trade as a share of GDP rose throughout the 19th century and peaked in 1913; it didn't reach that level again until 1979. "19th century through 1913" was also the peak period of awkward Brits singlehandedly inventing new gadgets and academic disciplines.
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100. Today, the results of that kind of invention are increasingly likely to be mediated through software, which means they're increasingly likely to make the creators rich. So: be worried, be prudent, be prosperous.
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Replying to
not fair, you didn't ask him to tweet about something a little afield & that hits a nerve, how about Byrne redoes the challenge on "culpable ignorance"
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