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These 2 words of English language which define so accurately a lot of rich elite and even many of the middle class have all but disappeared from our lexicon
Seems like there is no shame nowadays in being a profligate or a hedonist
Yes, Facebook and various forms of social media, in general, has made these 'traits' a badge of honor and source of competition to a large segment of the population.
They have always been around, but generally were not as documented (and broadcast) until modern forms of media and communications. Thorstein Veblen was someone who over a century ago talked about them in The Theory of The Leisure Class (1899).
Part of the issue now is the elite spend lots on perception management to manage the information flow but the upper middle and middle who have been socialized / programmed to think the "He who has the most toys wins" mentality have made themselves more of a target through self promotion via the new social media tools.
And not just the toys, but even the “ experiences” there are many of us who don’t indulge in that out of choice and then we are called cheap.
Honestly, it doesn’t bother me. I wear it like a badge of honor. I actually do spend a lot of money, but only on things that are helpful to my family, friends and the community.
I think those words are not used anymore because they're so vague. I'm 72 years old, stay up to date on things, and have never even heard of the word "profligates". To me it means absolutely nothing.
I think those words are not used anymore because they're so vague. I'm 72 years old, stay up to date on things, and have never even heard of the word "profligates". To me it means absolutely nothing.
Are they vague ?
it means someone who wastes resources or very extravagant.
maybe you have never heard of it as these habits are not considered objectionable anymore
Yes, Facebook and various forms of social media, in general, has made these 'traits' a badge of honor and source of competition to a large segment of the population.
They have always been around, but generally were not as documented (and broadcast) until modern forms of media and communications. Thorstein Veblen was someone who over a century ago talked about them in The Theory of The Leisure Class (1899).
Part of the issue now is the elite spend lots on perception management to manage the information flow but the upper middle and middle who have been socialized / programmed to think the "He who has the most toys wins" mentality have made themselves more of a target through self promotion via the new social media tools.
These 2 words of English language which define so accurately a lot of rich elite and even many of the middle class have all but disappeared from our lexicon
Seems like there is no shame nowadays in being a profligate or a hedonist
What do you guys think ?
I know a number of rich and very rich people. Neither word defines a single one of them at all.
Whatever they may or may not BE, they are unquestionably greedy, IMO.
I'm not sure what that means.
Is the doctor who makes a $1MM per year improving health and lives greedy or justly rewarded for very hard work that very, very few people are intellectually capable of?
Is the small time oil guy in Texas who retires with a $25MM bankroll greedy or justly rewarded for risking his fortune every working day while also keeping fuel cheap for you?
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