Basically where we are now, if not better off. The vast majority of people are satisfied with making a modest living, and none of these bets would have paid off

Basically where we are now, if not better off. The vast majority of people are satisfied with making a modest living, and none of these bets would have paid off if they weren't. The crux of the issue is how to create a stable arena in which sociopathic risk takers can innovate without destabilizing society. The brilliant implementer who finds he's satisfied with punching the clock is grist for Jobs' mill. No need to destroy him in the process.