1. The techniques and theories taught to apprentices are accumulated knowledge.
In addition to new knowledge and know-how, old ones are falling into disuse and are sometimes rediscovered several generations later. All theories are means of production. The fact that a theory is more radically false than true does not change anything. Economic theories or so-called economic theories are no exception. That the latter can also be the cause of alteration of practices could not be more normal. It even seems that we need to go further. Isn't the succession of several management modes and currents of economic thought, in the space of a generation or two, often more the product of persistent incapacity than of real innovation?
2. The natural resources exploited by man provide him with energy and materials.
Through the expenditure of his own physical and mental energy, man draws energy and materials from solar radiation, flora, arable land, fauna, subsoils, wind and water. All living beings must incessantly consume natural resources in order to continue to live and, in the case of man, to modify his living conditions.
3. In the museum of natural resources , famous in the history of economic thought, there are air, water and diamonds, gold, among others.
The air is there because it is free, in ordinary circumstances, while its usefulness is vital. Drinking water and diamonds are found there because of the lower cost of water, whereas its usefulness is vital and that of diamonds as an ornament is not. Gold is there because of its monetary use, in terms of the calibration of all other economic exchange values. This does not mean that air, water, diamonds and gold are in themselves commodities.
4. New human labor means a new expenditure of human energy.
In everyday life, work is opposed to leisure. It's inevitable. However, this should not be deceived. Leisure activities also require labor, as an expenditure of energy and exposure to fatigue for those who engage in them. And even sleeping, that's labor! Often the result of leisure activities is not only the pleasure they provide. Services and goods are produced there, without entering the economic circuit as long as they are not put on sale, given away or stolen.