The growing complexity of science, technology, and organization does not imply either a growing knowledge or a growing need for knowledge in the general population. On the contrary, the increasingly complex processes tend to lead to increasingly simple and easily understood products. The genius of mass production is precisely in its making more products more accessible, both economically and intellectually to more people.
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The rich adopt novelties and become accustomed to their use. This sets a fashion which others imitate. Once the richer read more
The rich adopt novelties and become accustomed to their use. This sets a fashion which others imitate. Once the richer classes have adopted a certain way of living, producers have an incentive to improve the methods of manufacture so that soon it is possible for the poorer classes to follow suit. Thus luxury furthers progress. Innovation "is the whim of an elite before it becomes a need of the public. The luxury today is the necessity of tomorrow." Luxury is the roadmaker of progress: it develops latent needs and makes people discontented. In so far as they think consistently, moralists who condemn luxury must recommend the comparatively desireless existence of the wild life roaming in the woods as the ultimate ideal of civilized life.
The City's reluctance to take a stand on an issue like the British Gas pay row makes a mockery of read more
The City's reluctance to take a stand on an issue like the British Gas pay row makes a mockery of corporate governance and shareholders' ability to influence annual general meetings. Institutions should be obliged to make public how they vote at such events. They should be obliged to provide customers with a record of how they vote on every kind of issue.
My riches consist not in the extent of my possessions, but in the fewness of my wants.
My riches consist not in the extent of my possessions, but in the fewness of my wants.
Each man is the smith of his own fortune.
Each man is the smith of his own fortune.
...the only means to well-being is to increase the quantity of products. This is what business aims at.
...the only means to well-being is to increase the quantity of products. This is what business aims at.
The saddest thing I can imagine is to get used to luxury.
The saddest thing I can imagine is to get used to luxury.
The truth is that economic competition is the very opposite of competition in the animal kingdom. It is not a read more
The truth is that economic competition is the very opposite of competition in the animal kingdom. It is not a competition in the grabbing off of scarce nature-given supplies, as it is in the animal kingdom. Rather, it is a competition in the positive creation of new and additional wealth.
Tax reform means, 'Don't tax you, don't tax me. Tax that fellow behind the tree.'.
Tax reform means, 'Don't tax you, don't tax me. Tax that fellow behind the tree.'.
If you're not a white male, consider sales seriously. Most employers, regardless of how sexist or racist they may be, read more
If you're not a white male, consider sales seriously. Most employers, regardless of how sexist or racist they may be, will pay for any sales they can get. And they care little for the color or gender of the person who brings that business to the firm. Most will be glad to get the business even if it comes from a green, bisexual Martian.
