[Centurion2000]

Buildings, machinery, roads, bridges, etc. etc. etc all eventually degrade (both physically and in value)-- and wealth is dissipated.

Wealth is not dissipated and you are talking about depreciation and durable (5+ year) goods. Any sound investor that buys property had better take the time, energy and money to maintain the structures that they purchase.

BTW .... name an example of a road, or a bridge that has actually lost value.

Real estate is one of the few things that almost always appreciates in value.

[Willie Green]

BTW .... name an example of a road, or a bridge that has actually lost value.

Tacoma Narrows Bridge