"Now the poor have access to the internet, which arguably has made success more egalitarian, and the worst job is flipping burgers and handing out overpriced coffees for 5 days a week. Based on my experience working at Starbucks, I did not risk having my hand chopped off daily like many workers did in the textile industry. I also leveraged the internet to create my own business, which now has clients all over the world."
I agree that the introduction of the internet, and the following advances in technology, have greatly improved the ability to produce one's own wealth. It allows individuals to start a business with nothing required beyond a smartphone or computer, whereas in the past many businesses faced issues purchasing or leasing commercial real estate, had to spend exponentially more to advertise in inefficient and expensive methods, and needed to invest heavily in shipping and logistics when needed. These advances have made commercial success for classes that previously had no access to such opportunities.
"He also emphasizes the crazy premise that wealth is a set pie and that the only way for some to become wealthy is for others to become poorer, which is the foundation of the candle makers' argument."
I would disagree that this point is "crazy." Throughout the last few years, we have seen corporations reduce their workforce by thousands and continually raise prices on their goods and services, all while leadership grows richer. Unfortunately, there is a finite amount of wealth available in the world, and as corporate greed grows, the divide between the wealthy and the middle class grows as well. If one's only method of gaining wealth is not to take it from another, there would be no professional competition leading to lower prices, higher quality, or faster production times. Companies must push each other forward to continue to profit more, leading to their competitors making less and less. While Bastiat's argument is exaggerated, as no sane government would truly limit the amount of sunlight admitted, it is not based on foolish ideals. When a government truly favors the "corporate ideals" (i.e., the need for sunlight to be limited), they not only create challenges for their citizens (such as the need to cover holes, cracks, and openings in a wall), but they create greater financial burden to overcome those obstacles (such as purchasing more lamps, candles, oils, etc.).