Perhaps governments should redirect their investment into natural capital instead, restocking their forests rather than their libraries.

ECONOMIST: A new report comes up with a better way to size up wealth

Jerry Swank, founder of Swank Capital, an MLP investment firm, favors players in the natural-gas-liquids business.

WSJ: Upside: Oil Partnerships Keep Rolling

The evidence shows systematic under-investment in human capital, inadequate attention to institutional capital, and over-exploitation of natural capital.

ECONOMIST: Economics focus: Why quality matters | The

Avoiding special incentives for physical capital or improving property rights and the pricing of natural resources can generate resources for redressing social under-investment.

ECONOMIST: Economics focus: Why quality matters | The