context...?

Zeitgeist, the movie?

No particular context, more a general observation. let's say the invention of the light bulb

At the time it was invented, all the pieces (circumstamces, materials) were in place for someone to invent it

that's true of every invention. IP's more like a natural resource like air and the IP holder is given power by the state exclusive privilege to exploit it.

and exclude everyone else.

Precisely, and if a would-be invention is finally invented for the purpose of being patented, then it is equivalent to closing off what used to be part of the Commons

How to give incentives outside the IP system though? The thinking is IP rights have to be protected so innovators can profit and then keep innovating. They do incur costs in the process of inventing.