In a recent commentary by Kristjan Port, the relationship between the worth of work and salary is discussed, highlighting a growing abstraction over the years. Port argues that money, while a fundamental social technology aimed at facilitating exchanges, has lost much of its intended meaning as society evolves. This change has rendered the actual value of work increasingly nebulous, sometimes making traditional salary measures seem inadequate.

Port draws on the historical perspective of money as a solution to the inefficiencies of barter systems. He references old proverbs to illustrate that money was once a straightforward social tool for measuring labor value and facilitating transactions. However, the nature of work and its value has become so complex that this 'measure' no longer holds the same significance—work’s contribution to society cannot just be quantified by salary alone.

The notion of intellectual quotas is introduced as a potential solution to reframe how we value and exchange work. By moving away from conventional currency-based remuneration, individuals could trade intellectual contributions, thus aligning more closely with the actual impact they have. This shift could revitalize how we perceive work and compensation, making it more relevant in an age where intellectual contributions are increasingly essential to societal progress.