the "how much of the value created by transistors was captured by the inventors of this technology" question reminds me of the discussion around the difference

the "how much of the value created by transistors was captured by the inventors of this technology" question reminds me of the discussion around the difference between value creation and capturing of value. It's one of the important points illustrated in Peter Thiel's "Zero to One" book. That a company generates large profits or that an individual takes home a gigantic salary does not necessarily mean that they have created a lot of value, but certainly that they have been able to capture/extract value. To me its the difference between Wikipedia and a hedge fund, or elementary school teachers and VC investors. Many people and organizations create lots of value, but are often not financially rewarded for it. As a society we should therefore be careful about placing those who are rich on a pedestal