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

Summary

This quote suggests that in a highly organized industrial society, a person's reputation is primarily dependent on their financial strength. The ability to showcase wealth through leisure activities and conspicuous consumption of goods is essential for gaining or preserving a good reputation. Essentially, the quote implies that one's social standing and respect within the community is built upon economic power and the visible display of affluence.

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