Some books I pay for, some books I pirate, some books I do both because sometimes it's handy to have a pdf.
But I mainly pay for books because it tends to be cheaper than printing them myself.
If I were born as a westerner with my mom and dad being there always to catch me if I fall I would always pay for knowledge, sure. But I pretty much feel entitled to free knowledge. I will happily pirate a 200 eur math textbook, 200 eur for me is a lot more than for your average westerner.
But I mainly pay for books because it tends to be cheaper than printing them myself.
If I were born as a westerner with my mom and dad being there always to catch me if I fall I would always pay for knowledge, sure. But I pretty much feel entitled to free knowledge. I will happily pirate a 200 eur math textbook, 200 eur for me is a lot more than for your average westerner.