--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: That is always how it is, though, isn't…" description: "\"“That is always how it is, though, isn't it?” Shuden asked. “Those who can least afford extravagance seem to be the ones most determined to spend what ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/df4/brandon-sanderson-112_afford-extravagance_that-is-always-how-it-is-though-isn-t-it_15500.jpg" --- # That is always how it is, though, isn't it?” Shuden asked… ![“That is always how it is, though, isn't it?” Shuden asked. “Those who can least afford extravagance seem to be the ones most determined to spend what they have left.” quote by Brandon Sanderson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/df4/brandon-sanderson-112_afford-extravagance_that-is-always-how-it-is-though-isn-t-it_15500.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/df4/brandon-sanderson-112_afford-extravagance_that-is-always-how-it-is-though-isn-t-it_15500.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/df4/brandon-sanderson-112_afford-extravagance_that-is-always-how-it-is-though-isn-t-it_15500.jpg) > ““That is always how it is, though, isn't it?” Shuden asked. “Those who can least afford extravagance seem to be the ones most determined to spend what they have left.”” [Brandon Sanderson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brandon-sanderson/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. People with limited means often overextend themselves to display status, revealing a paradox of scarcity and desire. **In simple terms:** Scarcity fuels conspicuous consumption. Key Takeaway Wealth perception drives irrational spending. Themes Consumer behavior Psychology of status Economic paradox Social pressure Self-identity Mood Reflective Cautious Type Observational Philosophical When to use this quote - A low‑income individual buying luxury goods - A student splurging on gadgets - A family stretching budget for a holiday Key Concepts Scarcity mindset Social signaling Financial insecurity Practical Applications - Financial counseling - Marketing research Questions to Reflect On - Why do we equate possessions with self‑worth? - How can societies reduce status‑driven waste? ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet ## Related quotes > [“Have you ever tried to bribe a Korathi priest, Lukel?" Shuden asked pointedly. Lukel looked around uncomfortably. "I'd rather not answer that question, thank…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brandon-sanderson/have-you-ever-tried-to-bribe-a-korathi-priest-lukel-shuden-asked/) [Brandon Sanderson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brandon-sanderson/) > [To force myself to earn more money, I determined to spend more.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/james-agate/to-force-myself-to-earn-more-money-i-determined-to-spend-more/) [James Agate](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-agate/) > [“Ironically, the rich who can afford extravagance are the ones who benefit the most from cheap commodities. They buy bulk and get robust discounts.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vincent-okay-nwachukwu/ironically-the-rich-who-can-afford-extravagance-are-the-ones-who/) [Vincent Okay Nwachukwu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vincent-okay-nwachukwu/) > [Do not save what is left after spending, but spend what is left after saving.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/warren-buffett/do-not-save-what-is-left-after-spending-but-spend-what-is-left-after/) [Warren Buffett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/warren-buffett/) > [One just spends as much money as one has. Very peculiar that! You never actually have any money. You think, If I had this…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jeanette-winterson/one-just-spends-as-much-money-as-one-has-very-peculiar-that-you-never/) [Jeanette Winterson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jeanette-winterson/) > [I'm very organised with my money. 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You're like some strange mixture of a noblewoman, a street urchin,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brandon-sanderson/elend-smiled-oh-come-on-you-have-to-admit-that-you-re-unusual-vin-you/) [Brandon Sanderson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brandon-sanderson/) > [“He says he’s letting the Stormfather judge you,” Moash added. “Jezerezeh, king of Heralds. He says that if you deserve to live, you will….”…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brandon-sanderson/he-says-he-s-letting-the-stormfather-judge-you-moash-added-jezerezeh/) [Brandon Sanderson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brandon-sanderson/) > [“The stories say the Nightwatcher might be capable of that. . . . Powerful spren. Vast spren.’ ‘Is he calling me vast?’ Syl said,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brandon-sanderson/the-stories-say-the-nightwatcher-might-be-capable-of-that-powerful/) [Brandon Sanderson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brandon-sanderson/) > [“But the mark of a great man is one who knows when to set aside the important things in order to accomplish the vital…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brandon-sanderson/but-the-mark-of-a-great-man-is-one-who-knows-when-to-set-aside-the/) [Brandon Sanderson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brandon-sanderson/) > [“My life to yours. My breath beecome yours.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brandon-sanderson/my-life-to-yours-my-breath-beecome-yours/) [Brandon Sanderson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brandon-sanderson/) > [“If you're always on time, it implies that you never have anything better you should be doing.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brandon-sanderson/if-you-re-always-on-time-it-implies-that-you-never-have-anything/) [Brandon Sanderson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brandon-sanderson/) > [You are inexperienced. So was I, once. So is every man. 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