Wealth is not a bulk of copper. It's the ability to command a productive force. Resources are only one necessary component and definitely not a sufficient one.

Wealth is not a bulk of copper. It's the ability to command a productive force. Resources are only one necessary component and definitely not a sufficient one. Humans have had all the resources of this planet for hundreds of thousands of years and lived most of this time in deep penury. Also, the ability to do whatever one wants with the resources left is not the same as the ability to do the productive thing. EDIT: So once Elysium flies away the remaining population will likely have to make do without the productive forces that made Elysium rich in the first place. I guess over time people will find out how to rebuild such productive forces and in the process the society will stratify again. Ultimately Elysium II flies away and the cycle repeats. (Note: or maybe we can have an inclusive economy where everyone has a stake and contribution)