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Property Quote by Don DeLillo

“Property is no longer about power, personality and command. It's not about vulgar display or tasteful display. Because it no longer has weight or shape. The only thing that matters is the price you pay. Yourself, Eric, think. What did you buy for your one hundred and four million dollars? Not…” quote by Don DeLillo
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““Property is no longer about power, personality and command. It's not about vulgar display or tasteful display. Because it no longer has weight or shape. The only thing that matters is the price you pay. Yourself, Eric, think. What did you buy for your one hundred and four million dollars? Not dozens of rooms, incomparable views, private elevators. Not the rotating bedroom and computerized bed. Not the swimming pool or the shark. Was it air rights? The regulating sensors and software? Not the mirrors that tell you how you feel when you look at yourself in the morning. You paid the money for the number itself. One hundred and four million. This is what you bought. And it's worth it. The number justifies itself.””

Don DeLillo

About This Quote

Source Novel: White Noise, 1985

We is a commodity; its value lies in the price paid, not in tangible assets.

In simple terms: We is a price, not a thing.

Key Takeaway

Consider what you truly value.

Themes

materialism identity value technology

Mood

critical analytical

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

  • investment decisions
  • personal branding
  • digital identity

Key Concepts

consumer culture self‑definition

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does your “price” represent?
  • How do you balance material and intangible values?
A Different Perspective

Focusing on price can ignore deeper meaning.

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