Interesting article. Brings to mind the sumptuary laws of Puritan New England, which were perhaps more intended to preserve the prerogatives of the wealthy than to enforce asceticism.
I am sorry I could'nt make contact, but I do appreciate your writing and background. Regarding Veblen it was nice to be reminded of him again. Back in graduate school I read his work and I thought he was quite perceptive as a critic of America. I don't think people are listening anymore today than they were back in his day. Still he is worth a serious look and we need more like him.
Interesting article. Brings to mind the sumptuary laws of Puritan New England, which were perhaps more intended to preserve the prerogatives of the wealthy than to enforce asceticism.
I am sorry I could'nt make contact, but I do appreciate your writing and background. Regarding Veblen it was nice to be reminded of him again. Back in graduate school I read his work and I thought he was quite perceptive as a critic of America. I don't think people are listening anymore today than they were back in his day. Still he is worth a serious look and we need more like him.
I suspect Veblen would also be disliked by today's "tech bros", who embody his theories to a T.