A better example than the woodworker is an artist. His or her materials may cost almost nothing, but, if the artist is highly regarded, they can transform the materials into something considered valuable. If you want to call it &quot;wealth&quot;, go ahead. Does the artist have to sell their work to realize its value, or to gain personal wealth? In strictly financial terms, yes, but their art could be enriching their own life even if they never sold anything. Both value and wealth are subjective.