# Billionaires, Workers, and the Exploitation Theory

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-human-action-podcast-1569402/billionaires-workers-and-the-exploitation-theory
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-human-action-podcast-1569402/billionaires-workers-and-the-exploitation-theory.md
Podcast: [The Human Action Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-human-action-podcast-1569402)
Published: 2026-01-18T09:02:13+00:00
Episode link: https://mises.org/podcasts/human-action-podcast/billionaires-workers-and-exploitation-theory
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/cdn.mises.org/2026-01/HAPod-534-20260118.mp3
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## Resource

Bob revisits Böhm-Bawerk’s critique of the exploitation theory of interest to answer modern claims that billionaires like Elon Musk must have “stolen” their wealth from workers who supposedly create 100 percent of a firm’s value. Related: Böhm-Bawerk’s Critique of the Exploitation Theory of Interest: Mises.org/HAP534a Böhm-Bawerk’s Karl Marx and the Close of His System: Mises.org/HAP534b Politicians don’t build prosperity. Entrepreneurs do. Join Keith Smith, Caitlin Long, Ryan McMaken, Per Bylund, and Timothy Terrell for our first event of 2026: Mises.org/HAHC The Mises Institute is giving away 100,000 copies of Hayek for the 21st Century. Get your free copy at Mises.org/HAPodFree

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## Transcript

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