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When one comes to the ultra-modern profession of…

“When one comes to the ultra-modern profession of advertising," responded Schliemann—"the science of persuading people to buy what they do not want—he is in the very center of the ghastly charnel house of capitalist destructiveness,” quote by Upton Sinclair
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““When one comes to the ultra-modern profession of advertising," responded Schliemann—"the science of persuading people to buy what they do not want—he is in the very center of the ghastly charnel house of capitalist destructiveness,””

Upton Sinclair

About This Quote

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

Advertising is portrayed as a central, destructive force in capitalism that manipulates people into buying unwanted products.

In simple terms: Advertising manipulates buying unwanted things.

Key Takeaway

Question consumer influence.

Themes

capitalism advertising ethics

Mood

critical analytical

Type

philosophical critical

When to use this quote

  • shopping
  • media consumption
  • political campaigns
  • product design

Key Concepts

media studies economics

Questions to Reflect On

  • What ethical advertising exists?
  • How can consumers resist manipulation?
A Different Perspective

Not all advertising is harmful; some informs.

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