>>I use a different definition of the creation of wealth, and I think it is more common umong economists. Suppose one person lives near a well and has enough water. Another person has a wheat field and has enough food. They could increase their wealth by trading: swap some wheat for some water and both are better of. That's wealth being created, except in your definition.<<
The one is of more value to the other of which each has in surplus. But no new real wealth is created by the exchange.
>>How about 'all the guns and jails' in a happy town outside of the Hasselt municipal boundaries that are needed to intimidate people paying for the bus fare? Why would that be alright all of a sudden?<<
Of course. If you get on a bus to get a ride, you are required to pay the fare. But the act of boarding the bus is voluntary. Thus is also the payment of the fare. Not so with the guns pointed at the heads of taxpayers involuntarily required to support the freeloading riders on the "free" bus.
