Thorstein Veblen Quotes

A collection of quotes by Thorstein Veblen.

Thorstein Veblen (1857-1929) was an influential American economist and social critic. Born in Cato, Wisconsin, Veblen studied at universities in the United States and Germany before becoming a professor of economics. He is best known for his book "The Theory of the Leisure Class" (1899), in which he analyzes the role of conspicuous consumption and the pursuit of social status in a capitalist society. Veblen's insights on the interplay between economics, culture, and society continue to shape debates in the field of social theory.

The basis on which good repute in any highly organized indus

The basis on which good repute in any highly organized industrial community ultimately rests is pecuniary strength and the means of showing pecuniary strength, and so of gaining or retaining a good name, are leisure and a conspicuous consumption of goods.

Thorstein Veblen


In itself and in its consequences the life of leisure is bea

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

Thorstein Veblen

Men Life Leisure

In order to stand well in the eyes of the community, it is n

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.

Thorstein Veblen

Community

It is always sound business to take any obtainable net gain,

It is always sound business to take any obtainable net gain, at any cost and at any risk to the rest of the community.

Thorstein Veblen

Profit

The basis on which good repute in any highly organized indus

The basis on which good repute in any highly organized industrial community ultimately rests is pecuniary strength; and the means of showing pecuniary strength, and so of gaining or retaining a good name, are leisure and a conspicuous consumption of goods

Thorstein Veblen

Rest Leisure

Labor wants pride and joy in doing good work, a sense of mak

Labor wants pride and joy in doing good work, a sense of making or doing something beautiful or useful - to be treated with dignity and respect as brother and sister.

Thorstein Veblen

Respect

The addiction to sports, therefore, in a peculiar degree mar

The addiction to sports, therefore, in a peculiar degree marks an arrested development in man's moral nature.

Thorstein Veblen

Nature