There exist relations of "supply" and "demand" in a rain forest, or in a desert, without human presence much less currency as we recognize it. Let us take a look at how they exist and what that should mean to us. The creatures of a rainforest are not in need of water. It is all around them. It is, so to speak, cheap. Indeed, they devote time and energy NOT to the task of finding it but to that of warding it off. Of getting and staying dry! Water has a negative market value in such a situation. The creatures of a desert are very much in need of water. They devote a good deal of time and energy to finding it and to storing it away. Water has a positive market value and a high one. Once, while arguing with someone in an internet forum (I was in my 'fierce anarcho-capitalist warrior' mode), someone of a different persuasion told me, "markets aren't natural -- they are social constructs -- otherwise they would exist in the rain forest!" I co...