>"If you can perfectly recreate something down to the molecular level, what actually has value?" The raw materials themselves, I think. After all, you have to

>"If you can perfectly recreate something down to the molecular level, what actually has value?" The raw materials themselves, I think. After all, you have to supply the basic building blocks to replicate objects. That's why there is the feed in The Diamond Age, bringing the raw materials, plus vacuum and power. Until you can artificially create heavy elements, their rarity will determine their value. >"If you can replicate cooked food perfectly, will people still claim that "real" food, grown, slaughtered, and cooked, is "better" or tastes "more authentic", despite no technical difference?" Yes, absolutely. At least certain segments will, witness how people fawn over "artisanal craft" this-and-that. More effort goes into the production, so there is more of an emotional connection. The mass produced item could be superior to the hand crafted item, but the latter will feel more "real" to a lot of people. Even more so if they craft it themselves. It's just how we're wired, I think.