Cheapness Quote by Joseph Roth
““Of course the merchandise appears to be cheaper. Because where there are so many things close together, they can hardly help not thinking of themselves as precious. In their own eyes they shrink, and they lower their prices, and they become humble, for humility in good expresses itself as cheapness. And since there are also so many shoppers crowded together, the goods make less of a challenge or an appeal to them; and so they too become humble. If the very large department store looked to begin with like a work of hubris, it comes to seem merely an enormous container for human smalless and modesty; an enormous confession of earthly cheapness.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Radetzky March by Joseph Roth, 1932
When many goods are packed together, they seem less valuable, leading sellers to lower prices and appear humble; the crowd’s presence also reduces the allure of each item, turning a grand store into a symbol of modesty and cheapness.
In simple terms: Crowded markets make things seem less special, so sellers lower prices and act humble.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how abundance can devalue perception.
Themes
economics
humility
perception
marketing
social dynamics
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
philosophical
observational
When to use this quote
- retail pricing
- store design
- advertising
- luxury branding
Key Concepts
scarcity
value perception
consumer behavior
price strategy
Questions to Reflect On
- How does abundance affect perceived value?
- Can humility be genuine or just a marketing tactic?
A Different Perspective
Abundance can also create waste and lower quality expectations.
![“[O]ur relationship with nature has become warped. You see, nature has acquired a purpose where we are concerned. Its task is to amuse us. It no longer exists for its own sake.” quote by Joseph Roth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/acc/joseph-roth-14460_amuse_o-ur-relationship-with-nature-has-become_789654.jpg)
