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By fashion and built-in obsolescence the economies of…

“By fashion and built-in obsolescence the economies of machine production, instead of producing leisure and durable wealth, are duly cancelled out by the mandatory consumption on an even larger scale.” quote by Lewis Mumford
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“By fashion and built-in obsolescence the economies of machine production, instead of producing leisure and durable wealth, are duly cancelled out by the mandatory consumption on an even larger scale.”

Lewis Mumford

About This Quote

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

Industrial focus on endless consumption erodes the potential for lasting wealth and leisure, turning production into a cycle of forced buying.

In simple terms: Production drives forced buying, not lasting wealth.

Key Takeaway

Shift toward sustainable, durable goods.

Themes

economics consumerism industrialization

Mood

critical concerned

Type

analytical reflective

When to use this quote

  • policy making
  • product design
  • personal finance
  • community planning

Key Concepts

obsolescence planned obsolescence sustainability

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can societies incentivize durable production?
  • What policies could curb planned obsolescence?
A Different Perspective

Even with sustainable choices, market forces may still favor disposability.

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