The Theory of the Leisure Class

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Exploring the economics of the upper classes, this influential work critiques the habits of the wealthy at the end of the 19th century. Veblen, drawing on ideas from Darwin, Marx, and Smith, introduces concepts like "conspicuous consumption" to highlight the wasteful behaviors of the elite. He argues that these social values, rooted in primitive human behavior, contribute to class divisions and misallocation of wealth. This enduring study remains relevant, offering insights into the interplay between social values and economic institutions.