patents, when two people, completely unconnected, with no previous knowledge of each other, discover the same method, the same principle, how does patenting deal with that? patenting is strictly en economic advantage, first mover protection, but they should take patents away from anyone that doesn't implement. patents should be for implementation. if you don't make a move on something you know, you give up your rights. rights, rights for what? for getting somewhere before everyone else? patents, like claiming land by explorers for spain and portugal, except now it's math and science and the genetic code. never mind the settlers, the ones who actually till the land, or even those who've lived there before, but have no need for nation states and monarchies. colonization all over again, except intellectually. annoying. if i ever come up with a good idea, implement it without patenting, and watch other companies swoop in and steal it and make it and produce it and my idea goes everywhere and makes life better for everyone that uses it, is that so wrong? compensation? an epilogue. a footnote in history. is that enough knowing you've helped the human race?