The superior gratification derived from the use and contemplation of costly and supposedly beautiful products is, commonly, in great measure a gratification of our sense of costliness masquerading under the name of beauty.

Summary

This quote suggests that our appreciation for expensive and supposedly beautiful products is often influenced by our desire for things that are costly, rather than solely based on their inherent beauty. It implies that our perception of beauty can be clouded by the allure of luxury and the satisfaction derived from owning such items. In essence, our sense of beauty is sometimes unduly influenced by the price tag, leading us to believe that expensive products are inherently more beautiful.

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