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.

In a trader-dominated society, the scribe is usually kept out of the management of affairs, but it given a more read more

In a trader-dominated society, the scribe is usually kept out of the management of affairs, but it given a more or less free hand in the cultural field. By frustrating the scribe's craving for commanding action, the trader draws upon himself the scribe's wrath and scorn.

The most important benefit of population size and growth is the increase it brings to the stock of useful knowledge. read more

The most important benefit of population size and growth is the increase it brings to the stock of useful knowledge. Minds matter economically as much as, or more than, hands or mouths.

The only point in making money is, you can tell some big shot where to go.

The only point in making money is, you can tell some big shot where to go.

When you hire people that are smarter than you are, you prove you are smarter than they are.

When you hire people that are smarter than you are, you prove you are smarter than they are.

Business, that's easily defined; it's other people's money.

Business, that's easily defined; it's other people's money.

The absolute fundamental aim is to make money out of satisfying customers.

The absolute fundamental aim is to make money out of satisfying customers.

Avarice is the vice of declining years.

Avarice is the vice of declining years.

There is no glory in outstripping donkeys.

There is no glory in outstripping donkeys.