“The changing styles are the expression of a restless search for something which shall commend itself to our aesthetic sense; but as each innovation is subject to the selective action of the norm of conspicuous waste, the range within which innovation can take place is somewhat restricted. The innovation must not only be more beautiful, or perhaps oftener less offensive, than that which it displaces, but it must also come up to the accepted standard of expensiveness.” ActionBeautifulSubjectsFashionStyleExpressionWasteStandardsInnovationCome UpAcceptedRangeAestheticOffensiveNormRestlessSelective Book:A Veblen Treasury: From Leisure Class to War, Peace, and Capitalism Source: A Veblen Treasury: From Leisure Class to War, Peace, and Capitalism
“We certainly ... hope that the Congress will act in an appropriate fashion and not waste its time with ineffectual, sham legislation on Keystone XL that has no impact on the price of gas and is irresponsible because it, as we've said before, tries to legislate the approval of a pipeline for which there is not even a route.” TryingSaidFashionWasteImpactCongressGasAppropriateApprovalLegislationRoutesIrresponsiblePipelineKeystones Author:Jay Carney
“Social mores change with time, like fashion - who knows where it might all end up? I especially like the idea that waste, impoliteness and overpopulation become "abominations," although I'm not sure recycling one's aunt will ever truly catch on.” KnowsIdeasEndsMightSocialFashionWasteNot SureAuntRecyclingAbominationOverpopulation Author:Jasper Fforde