Ability Quote by John Kenneth Galbraith
“The urge to consume is fathered by the value system which emphasizes the ability of the society to produce.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Affluent Society by John Kenneth Galbraith, 1958
Consumer desire grows when society values production capacity, linking consumption to economic growth.
In simple terms: Production-focused societies drive higher consumption.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how cultural values shape buying habits.
Themes
economics
culture
consumption
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
analytical
commentary
When to use this quote
- marketing strategies
- public policy
- personal budgeting
- environmental activism
Key Concepts
materialism
social influence
economic policy
Questions to Reflect On
- How does your community’s view of production affect your spending?
- Can you value consumption without compromising values?
A Different Perspective
May overlook individual agency and alternative value systems.
![“[Even the mechanism can be endowed with an image. Thus] the thermostat has an image of the outside world in the shape of information regarding its temperature. It has also a value system in the sense of the ideal temperature at which it is set. Its behavior is directed towards the receipt of…” quote by Kenneth E. Boulding](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bf0/kenneth-e-boulding-3728_behavior_even-the-mechanism-can-be-endowed-with-a_292365.jpg)
