Looking at some of the for and against arguments regarding patents, let&#x27;s play a mental game: would new, valuable things still be created if the patent system didn&#x27;t exist?<p>I think yes. The creator wouldn&#x27;t necessarily benefit directly, but in a way we all indirectly benefit from new technology and ideas. Much the same as it would be better for the poor to have free or affordable essential health care, our society would have more able-bodied and able-minded people to work or even conduct themselves in a way that didn&#x27;t transmit their illness, whether physically or through dependance.<p>By leaving the weak weakened, we indirectly transmit that ailment to others by physical and economic forces. You&#x27;re only as strong as your weakest point.