Skip to content

Real people don’t make their livings that way any more…

“Real people don’t make their livings that way any more. Those three romantics out there make as much sense as Marie Antoinette and her milkmaids. When the bankruptcy proceedings begin – in a week, a month, a year – they’ll find out that their only economic value was as animated wallpaper for my…” quote by Kurt Vonnegut Jr
Download Open image
““Real people don’t make their livings that way any more. Those three romantics out there make as much sense as Marie Antoinette and her milkmaids. When the bankruptcy proceedings begin – in a week, a month, a year – they’ll find out that their only economic value was as animated wallpaper for my restaurant here.’ Bunny, to his credit, was not happy about this. ‘That’s all over, men working with their hands and backs. They are not needed.””

Kurt Vonnegut Jr

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The quote sat the devaluation of artistic or aesthetic work in a market that only rewards tangible productivity.

In simple terms: Art is seen as useless compared to manual labor.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the value of creative contributions.

Themes

economics art labor value modernity

Mood

cynical critical reflective

Type

satirical commentary

When to use this quote

  • restaurant industry
  • creative professions
  • economic downturns
  • policy debates

Key Concepts

capitalism alienation cultural critique

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does society measure the worth of creative work?
  • Can artistic value be quantified?
A Different Perspective

The perspective may overlook the intrinsic joy and societal benefits of art.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Kurt Vonnegut Jr

Explore all 164 Kurt Vonnegut Jr quotes

More Life quotes

Browse all 265,290 Life quotes