A couple of key observations:

1. Humans only assign a small portion of value in their economy – if I recall correctly he says only about 3% in his time – to utility.  The rest of the value is tied up in securing and reinforcing power and prestige, a collective delusion.

2. The primary way to communicate power and prestige is in displays of deliberately useless consumption – he labels this conspicuous consumption.

3. Conspicuous consumption is deliberately and flagrantly costly and useless.  Examples include – fashion, elaborate parties, arcane etiquette, huge homes, mistresses, servants, and most importantly a completely weak, incapable, and idle spouse.

4. Ordinary people are under tremendous social pressure to emulate the leisure class that can afford such expenditures and will typically spend a great deal of money, even to the point of self-harm, to put on the appearances of being a part of the upper class.

This was written in the early 20th century, a time when a wife was still a full time job in most places – keep a hearth, bake bread, homespun clothing, hand washing of clothes, no ovens, dishwashers, etc.

Needless to say, I’ve been thinking about the book recently and intend to read it again.  His observations have far-reaching consequences and predictive powers here in the modern day, beyond MGTOW.  But I know there applicable to the movement and would be worth reading.  If anyone cares to pick a copy up and read it, let me know what you think.

Its red pill stuff, though I know his theories are often cited by socialists and feminists…he basically guts spending money for show.  I remember when I read it, it reinforced the very strict lifestyle I was living at the time to pay for college without taking loans – no car, second hand clothes, cooking all my own food, not drinking, and not spending money on women…

I shall see if I can find this book…

Cheers.

Here’s a toast to the minimalist life!