People Quote by John Barth
“Nothing is intrinsically valuable; the value of everything is attributed to it, assigned to it from outside the thing itself, by people.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Nature of Value, 1975
Value is not inherent; it is assigned by external observers, not by the object itself.
In simple terms: Value comes from people, not objects.
Key Takeaway
Consider how perception shapes worth.
Themes
philosophy
value theory
subjectivity
Mood
analytical
thought‑provoking
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- pricing strategies
- art appraisal
- cultural criticism
Key Concepts
social construct
meaning
economics
Questions to Reflect On
- Who decides what is valuable?
- How does context change value?
A Different Perspective
Objects may hold intrinsic qualities ignored by perception.
