Google Co-Founder Views Tech Investment as a Way to Give

Google co-founder Larry Page argues that the best way he can improve the world is through his business endeavors and by funneling his wealth and influence into them, writes Vox columnist Dylan Matthews.

This week’s announcement of Google’s restructuring under the umbrella company Alphabet, which will allow Mr. Page more freedom to pursue big “long-shot” projects, echoes his belief that for-profit enterprise has and can do more to change the world than traditional philanthropy.

The reorganization is intended to help draw a distinction between some of Google’s traditional online functions of search, mail, and maps, and its research projects, which focus on innovations such as self-driving cars and ways to increase human life span.