Conspicuous consumption

The quasi-peaceable gentleman of leisure… consumes freely and of the best, in food, drink, narcotics, shelter, services, ornaments, apparel, weapons and accoutrements, amusements, amulets, and idols or divinities. …Since the consumption of these more excellent goods is an evidence of wealth, it becomes honorific; and conversely, the failure to consume in due quantity and quality becomes a mark of inferiority and demerit. (Veblen 1899/2006, “Conspicuous consumption”, p. 47)

Conspicuous leisure

The term “leisure,” as here used, does not connote indolence or quiescence. What it connotes is non-productive consumption of time. Time is consumed non-productively (1) from a sense of the unworthiness of productive work, and (2) as an evidence of pecuniary ability to afford a life of idleness. (Veblen 1899/2006, “Conspicuous consumption”, p. 21)

For each picture, generate a high-order question or provocative claim in our Google Doc for today.

The path

• Ought we choose the path of:
  • quality and sustainability at a higher price, becoming an entitled snob?
  • low cost in solidarity with the less fortunate, becoming an irresponsible miser?

Is Soylent the solution – or tech-bro Slimfast?

ex. Guru analysis

• Culture
  • What ideology/values necessitate this advice?
  • How does this self-help match our moment?
  • What assumptions are necessary for this to work?
• Tactics
  • How do they convey authority and efficacy?
  • How do they connect with the audience?
  • What tropes (e.g., allegories, aphorisms, metaphors) do they use?

Graham Hill

values, moment, & assumptions; authority, relatability, & tropes?

Wrap up

Write a “3-minute paper” (bullets are fine) answering the question of if minimalism is a rejection of conspicuous consumption or the indulgence of conspicuous leisure?

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