Only individuals with an aberrant temperament can in the long run retain their self-esteem in the face of the disesteem of their fellows.

In itself and in its consequences the life of leisure is beautiful and ennobling in all civilised men's eyes.

Conspicuous consumption of valuable goods is a means of reputability to the gentleman of leisure.

It is always sound business to take any obtainable net gain, at any cost, and at any risk to the rest of the community.

Instead of investing in the goods as they pass between producer and consumer, as the merchant does, the businessman now invests in the processes of industry.

The basis on which good repute in any highly organized industrial community ultimately rests is pecuniary strength; and the means of showing pecuniary strength, and so of gaining or retaining a good name, are leisure and a conspicuous consumption of goods.

Socialism is a dead horse.