The outcome of any serious research can only be to make two questions grow where only one grew before.
Thorstein VeblenRead
In itself and in its consequences the life of leisure is beautiful and ennobling in all civilised men's eyes.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Leisure is valued for its intrinsic beauty and its positive impact on society.
Thorstein Veblen's quote reflects the idea that a life of leisure is not only beautiful but also honors and elevates individuals in the eyes of civilized society. It suggests that the ability to engage in leisure activities is seen as a mark of social status and a reflection of one's success and refinement in a civilized context.
Themes
LeisureBeautyCivilizationLifeStatus
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a speech about the importance of work-life balance.
More from Thorstein Veblen
All quotes βConspicuous consumption of valuable goods is a means of reputability to the gentleman of leisure.
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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.
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With the exception of the instinct of self-preservation, the propensity for emulation is probably the strongest and most alert and persistent of the economic motives proper.
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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.
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Born in iniquity and conceived in sin, the spirit of nationalism has never ceased to bend human institutions to the service of dissension and distress.
Thorstein VeblenRead
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