George Gilder says that the great entrepreneur, like the great artist or the great scientist, creates far more than he consumes.

This is one of those statements you believe or reject depending on whether you identify with the descriptor. As an entrepreneur, I want to believe that it is true. Certainly the man who starts a new business creates jobs and provides education for his employees. And in most cases, his business interacts with other businesses, propping up the economy. But I’m not sure that all entrepreneurs create more than they consume. Some, who develop shoddy businesses that are essentially thieving enterprises, can’t be contributing positively to the common good.

That said, there is a certain sense in it. Athletes and bankers do not contribute more than they consume. Neither do politicians. Teachers do. Who else?