Only the creation of physical things apparently counts as real productivity...
I wouldn't get too hung up on physical things. Writing is an act of creation, but the product isn't physical. Same for software, or music, or films or television, theater, and so on. Service occupations from waiter to teacher can be seen as creation of experience, creation of value, creation of potential. Even a political campaign creates an organization, loaded with new associations and connections.
I can see how those acts of creation are distinct from many of the financial games ("...our hand in the next guy's pocket") that make headlines, games which don't seem to create anything at all.
I didn't even see that show, but I think I understand what the quote must have meant in context.
I wouldn't get too hung up on physical things. Writing is an act of creation, but the product isn't physical. Same for software, or music, or films or television, theater, and so on. Service occupations from waiter to teacher can be seen as creation of experience, creation of value, creation of potential. Even a political campaign creates an organization, loaded with new associations and connections.
I can see how those acts of creation are distinct from many of the financial games ("...our hand in the next guy's pocket") that make headlines, games which don't seem to create anything at all.
I didn't even see that show, but I think I understand what the quote must have meant in context.