Abiding Quote by Thorstein Veblen
“While the proximate ground of discrimination may be of another kind, still the pervading principle and abiding test of good breeding is the requirement of a substantial and patent waste of time.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Theory of the Leisure Class, 1899
He sat that true refinement is measured by the amount of time one wastes, implying that leisure is a status symbol.
In simple terms: Wasting time as a status symbol
Key Takeaway
Value leisure as a sign of social standing.
Themes
leisure
status
social class
time
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
sociological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- high society gatherings
- elite clubs
Key Concepts
conspicuous consumption
social signaling
Questions to Reflect On
- Is leisure always a sign of refinement?
- How does society reward idle time?
A Different Perspective
Wasting time can be unproductive and harmful.
