A commercial society whose members are essentially ascetic and indifferent in social ritual has to be provided with blueprints and specifications for evoking the right tone for every occasion.

Summary

This quote highlights the influence of commercialism on society. It suggests that in a society focused on consumerism and individualism, people become disconnected from traditional social customs and lack the innate understanding of appropriate behavior in social situations. As a result, they rely on predefined guidelines and instructions to navigate social interactions and create a desired atmosphere. This indicates a shift towards a more utilitarian approach to social interactions, where the emphasis is on achieving specific outcomes rather than genuine human connection.

Topics