Originally posted by William
When RS stated - "We provide no goods, and no services" meaning we contribute nothing to society. (Please correct me if I am wrong, RS) And the truth is... we don't. Which is pretty a pretty disgusting fact if you think about it. But it's true and if you don't see it - open your eyes. Hopefully some of us will use our earnings in the market for something productive to society later in life... that's all I can say.
On a personal note. And sadly a serious note (sadly because I said I was going to revert to humor):
When I went back into trading after a "sabatical", someone close to me came to visit. I had just gone through a very difficult time of my life. My outlook was pretty dismal at this particular time (for good reason...). So anyway, my friend noticed I wasn't my usual happy go lucky self. She asked how come. I had just started trading again, and was feeling kind of useless in the big picture. I told her I just felt like I was "non-productive". Now she was a friend from way back. Back before I ever even traded professionally. She knew me well, and she knew me for a long time. She was an employee of mine in another business a long time before, and also a very good friend.
I said to her something along the lines of ....I felt like I wasn't contributing anything to society.
She told me I was wrong. I was earning money and that was important. Because people depended on me. And it was my responsibility to provide for them. And the method in which I accomplished this was not important. What was important was providing for my loved ones.
She was right. She was a good friend, and an insightful one. Which is why she actually was able, without an education beyond high school...to become an executive at a major company (actually a major brokerage....but not in the broker end of it). When she worked for me, she worked as a waitress. But she was a single mom, and had her priorities straight long before I did.
So whether we provide a service to society or not, we certainly provide for ourselves and those we care about and love. And that is a very big deal.
And don't forget that we pay taxes.....so if anyone feels guilty about making too much dough, just remember that you are giving away a big chunk of it and "society" gets to decide what to do with it. Supposedly.
RS7
Or almost always.