Yes they do benefit society but in different ways. My own bias is that I approach the subject of compensation from a capitalist economy. If I were the brain sur

Yes they do benefit society but in different ways. My own bias is that I approach the subject of compensation from a capitalist economy. If I were the brain surgeon in Cuba (and I have met one when I visited) I would be using my skills and abilities to improve my quality of life since the $30 / month standard wage in Cuba doesn't provide for much. The street cleaner is probably thinking and doing the same thing.