When we work, we generate or provide something of value. Someone else sees the value, and pay for it with his money (or with his own service or product). This is the very basic form of business.
However, sometimes it is not quite as simple or easy to see. I am a scientist. I work. But what I eventually generate as a result of my work is basically a piece of information. The information is valuable to some people, so this business goes on. This actually is a unique form of business.
Unfortunately, information generated by scientists tend to be considered useless by many. Too bad. And probably it is a reason people commonly believe scientists are not the richest people in the world.
The thing is that the value of information differs greatly depending on who evaluates it. For example, information for a new Apple product under development (top secret stuff) may be extremely valuable to someone in the industry, but is useless for me.
Some information is (or can be) immediately useful. Others are not. We scientists put serious thoughts about what information we should pursue to generate.
So that's science as information business.
Come to think of it, what is other business focusing on generating information? Fiction writers. They don't even have to do experiments like scientists, nor require evidence. Brain, pen and paper, that's all it takes. Minimum startup cost with potentially huge return. Try next Harry Potter or Fifty shades of Grey. It's like a lottery. If you don't write, or buy a ticket, you will not win.
A few days ago, an acquaintance asked me how to write a book. He said, "I went to many places and have many stories. Others asked me to write a book. But I don't know how". My answer was, "Sure, just write. Sit down and start writing". I hope he follows this advice. There is no other way as I see it.
