[cloudinshape]

> Those things got cheaper because of advances in supply chains and technology.

That is why things get cheaper all the time, yes.

> Why in the world would I ever loan to a small business if I could see gains just by holding the money?

The same reason you do now, which is the only reason you ever lend money: by lending it (to someone more productive than yourself of course) you gain more.

[arcticbull]

You have to compare it to your risk free return lol

[anythingdude321]

the return on holding is not risk free. in the absence of progress money will be inflationary as there are more people competing for fewer goods. there's no free lunch