Who am I??

I thought that since Doug won't be around I'll start a new Sunday theme of "Who Am I"

I am the basis of all wealth, the heritage of the wise, the thrifty and the prudent.

I am the poor man's joy and comfort, the rich man's prize, the right hand of capital, the silent partner of many thousands of successful men.

I am the solace of the widow, the comfort of the old age, the cornerstone of security against misfortune and want. I am handed down to children through generations, as a thing of great work.

I am the choicest fruit of toil, Credit respects me. Yet I am humble. I stand before man bidding him to know me for what I am, and possess me.

I grow and increase in value through countless days. Though I seem dormant, my worth increases, never failing, never ceasing. Time is my aidand population heaps up my gain. Fire and the elements I defy, for they cannot destroy me.

My possessors learn to believe in me: invariably they become envied. While all things wither and decay, I survive. The centuries find me younger, increasing in my strength.

I am the foundation of Banks, the producer of food and the basis of all wealth throughout the world.

Yet I am so common that thjousands, unthinking and unknowing, pass me by.................

Who Am I??