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Thorstein Veblen Quotes

Economist

Thorstein Veblen was an American economist known for his sociological perspective on economics and his critical analysis of economic theories. His work, 'The Theory of the Leisure Class,' had a profound impact on later economics and sociology.

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All Leisure Conspicuous Consumption Class Mean Aesthetic Goods Habit Waste Wealth Beautiful Business Community Consumption Effort Eye Individual Self Standards Use Apprehension

Famous Thorstein Veblen Quotes

“The domestic life of most classes is relatively shabby, as compared with the éclat of that overt portion of their life that is carried on before the eyes of observers.”

Eye Class Portions Observers Shabby Domestic Life

Book:The Theory of the Leisure Class

Source: The Theory of the Leisure Class

“Into the cultural and technological system of the modern world, the patriotic spirit fits like dust in the eyes and sand in the bearings. Its net contribution to the outcome is obscuration, distrust, and retardation at every point where it touches the fortunes of modern mankind.”

World Eye Spirit Modern Mankind Fit Fortune Dust Outcomes Contribution Sand Patriotic Technological Distrust Modern World

Book:An Inquiry Into the Nature of Peace, and the Terms of Its Perpetuation

Source: An Inquiry Into the Nature of Peace, and the Terms of Its Perpetuation

“In order to stand well in the eyes of the community, it is necessary to come up to a certain, somewhat indefinite, conventional standard of wealth.”

Life Wells Eye Success Certain Order Community Wealth Class Standards Come Up Conventional Conspicuous Consumption

Book:The Theory of the Leisure Class

Source: The Theory of the Leisure Class

“In itself and in its consequences the life of leisure is beautiful and ennobling in all civilised men's eyes.”

Men Life Eye Beautiful Inspire Consequence Leisure Civilised Conspicuous Consumption

Book:THE THEORY OF THE LEISURE CLASS: An Economic Study of American Institutions and a Social Critique of Conspicuous Consumption: Development of Institutions That Shape Society and Influence the Livelihood of Citizens: Based on Sociological & Economical Theories of Charles Darwin, Karl Marx, Adam Smith and Herbert Spencer

Source: THE THEORY OF THE LEISURE CLASS: An Economic Study of American Institutions and a Social Critique of Conspicuous Consumption: Development of Institutions That Shape Society and Influence the Livelihood of Citizens: Based on Sociological & Economical Theories of Charles Darwin, Karl Marx, Adam Smith and Herbert Spencer