Unfortunately, once an economy is geared to expansion, the…
“Unfortunately, once an economy is geared to expansion, the means rapidly turn into an end and "the going becomes the goal." Even more unfortunately, the industries that are favored by such expansion must, to maintain their output, be devoted to goods that are readily consumable either by their nature, or because they are so shoddily fabricated that they must soon be replaced. 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.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Economic growth often turns means into ends, leading to planned obsolescence and endless consumption, undermining durable wealth and leisure.
In simple terms: Growth becomes a goal, causing wasteful consumption.
Key Takeaway
Beware of turning expansion into a self‑fulfilling cycle.
Themes
economics
consumerism
sustainability
technology
culture
Mood
critical
concerned
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- product design
- policy making
- personal finance
- urban planning
Key Concepts
planned obsolescence
growth paradox
resource depletion
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies shift from consumption to durability?
- What policies can curb built‑in obsolescence?
A Different Perspective
Sustainable alternatives may be costly or politically unpopular.