Great questions, Devan.

Making a profit (having a surplus) spurs innovation and provides the capital for it.

We can measure productivity accurately, although, in the artist or writer's case, the time frame is longer and may never be realized. Was Van Gogh productive? Not in money terms in his lifetime.

Productive people generally make more money. And their productivity helps everyone. Jobs with the iPhone, Bezos with Amazon, and Musk with Tesla. Not to mention all the scientists, artists, academics, and discoverers who raise our living standards and enrich our lives.

Best.