The visible imperfections of hand-wrought goods, being honorific, are accounted marks of superiority in point of beauty, or serviceability, or both.
Thorstein VeblenThe quasi-peaceable gentleman of leisure, then, not only consumes of the staff of life beyond the minimum required for subsistence and physical efficiency, but his consumption also undergoes a specialisation as regards the quality of the goods consumed. He consumes freely and of the best, in food, drink, narcotics, shelter, services, ornaments, apparel, weapons and accoutrements, amusements, amulets, and idols or divinities.
Thorstein VeblenAbstention from labor is the conventional evidence of wealth and is therefore the conventional mark of social standing.
Thorstein VeblenConspicuous consumption of valuable goods is a means of reputability to the gentleman of leisure.
Thorstein Veblen