Are we only here to make money? Or do we want to perform some kind of function? Are we trying to make life better for society in general, or for the customer, or for the entrepreneur, or for the investor? And what of competition in this scheme of things? Does it drive society toward a benefit for everyone involved? These are the questions we are here to explore.

So we have the society, the customer, the entrepreneur, and the investor. Is there a possible win-win-win-win situation?
Can they all make money? Well we may begin by arguing that the customer need not expect to make money. They derive the benefits of use of the product or service. So that is their profit. Their life is supposed to be better because they bought the article, or used the service. And sometimes, if they have made an intelligent purchase, they may have bought an article which appreciates in value. A work of art, or a rarity, or a collectable. They may use it, look at it, possess it, hang it on their wall, mow their lawn with it, or whatever... and sell it afterward for more than they paid! Wow, what a deal! Not only are they a customer but also an investor. It's difficult to imagine such a case involving a service. And yet it is possible and occurs consistently. Take for example, real estate improvement or construction services. Or repair or any kind of improvement services, where the property is improved, the value is increased, often beyond the cost of the service and the effect is long lasting and in some cases what may be considered permanent value. Perhaps even rising value if the property is of some historical or cultural significance or rarity. One may however argue that this is not really a service but another form of manufacture. How about a pure service such as telecommunications, or information access, or dog walking, or such? The customer only realizes temporary benefits of the services and loses their money. The service provider, entrepreneur, or business owner gains money, in some cases loses their time (a valuable part of their life or workers' lives) or some other resource(s) involved... We must wonder, 'Did this benefit society in general?'