The Theory of the Leisure Class by Thorstein Veblen
This book is a socio-economic critique of American consumerism and the upper class, written in the late 19th century. The author argues that the wealthy engage in conspicuous consumption and leisure to display their wealth and maintain their social status. He introduces the concept of "pecuniary emulation," suggesting that the lower classes imitate the consumption patterns of those above them, leading to a wasteful and inefficient economy. The book is a seminal work in the field of economics, providing a satirical yet insightful look into the behavior of the affluent.
The 2731st greatest book of all time
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This book is on the following lists:
- Great Books of the Western World (Great Books Foundation)
- The New York Public Library's Books of the Century (New York Public Library)