> I think there are some differences between owning stock and owning the machines. ... When you own the machine, you can physically operate it yourself. i... s

> I think there are some differences between owning stock and owning the machines. ... When you own the machine, you can physically operate it yourself. i... sure? if i'm not an expert in using (and maintaining) that equipment (who also happens to own a space which is large enough and zoned for that equipment, and proximate to the customers or raw inputs for the equipment), owning the corporation that owns the equipment is better than owning the machinery, because it means i also employ people to run (and maintain) the semiconductor fabs and wire bending machines and shit (which have been located in cost effective places) for me, so i can go off and do the things i know how to do well. > ...when you own a car you reap the benefits of cheap travel much more directly and in a very different way than getting a dividend check. i also accept all of the risks and responsibilities directly. if i buy into a hypothetical publicly traded ride sharing company, i don't have to worry about any of that.