If I buy the 1% of Amazon (the company) I get the 1% of the anual dividends, and the 1% of the voting rights. It's not possible to go, pick up a 1% of the buildings, but there are a lot of regulations to ensure that I get approximately my share and I get enough information. If I buy the other 99% then I own the it and I can do whatever I want with it, like selling all the assets.<p>If I buy the 1% of Amazon (the river or the rainforest) I don't get anything, and my opinion is not special. It's not possible to go, pick up a 1% of the trees. Even if I buy the other 99% I don't have anything.