We tend to demonize people who make money – how dare they have more than us? But that negative reaction forgets the voluntary role we play in profit-making every day. This week in Words and Numbers, Antony Davies and James R. Harrigan discuss just how good it is to earn a profit, and the vital difference between that and forcing money from people.

Watch their conversation below or on YouTube.

For more on this, see:

5 Reasons Profit Is Good

There's No Such Thing As Excessive Profits

Profit Is Praiseworthy, and Always Awesome

The Ethics of Profit-Making

Profit: Not Just a Motive

The Pursuit of Profit Is Pro-Social

Free Markets vs. Government Plunder

Why Business's Desire for Profit Is a Good Thing

...and for research, see:

Exxon Mobil Corporation stock statistics

Exxon Mobil Corporation stock balance sheet

Domino's Pizza stock balance sheet

Netflix stock balance sheet

Apple stock financials

Verizon stock statistics

Wal-Mart stock financials

Target stock balance sheet

Amazon stock financials

Wells Fargo stock financials

CVS stock financials

Corporate profits after tax with inventory valuation adjustment and capital consumption adjustment