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The Theory of the Leisure Class

Gelesen von LibriVox Volunteers

(4,553 Sterne; 19 Bewertungen)

Originally published by the Norwegian-American economist Thorstein Veblen while he was a professor at the University of Chicago in 1898, the Theory of the Leisure Class is considered one of the great works of economics as well as the first detailed critique of consumerism. In the book, Veblen argues that economic life is driven not by notions of utility, but by social vestiges from pre-historic times. (Summary modified from Wikipedia)

Proof-Listeners: Illiterati, Sarah Jennings, mim@can, Ken Sterry and Barry Eads (11 hr 51 min)

Chapters

01 - Chapter I - Introductory, Part One

16:59

Read by Anna Simon

02 - Chapter I - Introductory, Part Two

17:39

Read by Anna Simon

03 - Chapter II - Pecuniary Emulation

24:04

Read by Leni

04 - Chapter III - Conspicuous Leisure, Part One

18:05

Read by Leni

05 - Chapter III - Conspicuous Leisure, Part Two

22:14

Read by Leni

06 - Chapter III - Conspicuous Leisure, Part Three

21:08

Read by Leni

07 - Chapter IV - Conspicuous Consumption, Part One

20:00

Read by sarac

08 - Chapter IV - Conspicuous Consumption, Part Two

15:41

Read by sarac

09 - Chapter IV - Conspicuous Consumption, Part Three

15:31

Read by sarac

10 - Chapter V - The Pecuniary Standard of Living

19:17

Read by MorganScorpion

11 - Chapter VI - Pecuniary Canons of Taste, Part One

18:02

Read by MorganScorpion

12 - Chapter VI - Pecuniary Canons of Taste, Part Two

18:04

Read by MorganScorpion

13 - Chapter VI - Pecuniary Canons of Taste, Part Three

16:20

Read by MorganScorpion

14 - Chapter VI - Pecuniary Canons of Taste, Part Four

18:08

Read by MorganScorpion

15 - Chapter VI - Pecuniary Canons of Taste, Part Five

14:45

Read by MorganScorpion

16 - Chapter VII - Dress as an Expression of the Pecuniary Culture, Part One

21:38

Read by Tracy Datlen

17 - Chapter VII - Dress as an Expression of the Pecuniary Culture, Part Two

20:25

Read by Tracy Datlen

18 - Chapter VIII - Industrial Exemption and Conservatism, Part One

23:54

Read by Tracy Datlen

19 - Chapter VIII - Industrial Exemption and Conservatism, Part Two

20:12

Read by Sienna

20 - Chapter IX - The Conservation of Archaic Traits, Part One

21:04

Read by mb

21 - Chapter IX - The Conservation of Archaic Traits, Part Two

23:22

Read by mb

22 - Chapter IX - The Conservation of Archaic Traits, Part Three

25:08

Read by Denny Sayers (d. 2015)

23 - Chapter X - Modern Survivals of Prowess, Part One

16:25

Read by Ata Khudayberdiev

24 - Chapter X - Modern Survivals of Prowess, Part Two

22:04

Read by Sienna

25 - Chapter X - Modern Survivals of Prowess, Part Three

17:33

Read by Rachel Resnick

26 - Chapter XI - The Belief in Luck, Part One

15:34

Read by Anna Simon

27 - Chapter XI - The Belief in Luck, Part Two

14:21

Read by Anna Simon

28 - Chapter XII - Devout Observances, Part One

19:46

Read by Matthew Westra

29 - Chapter XII - Devout Observances, Part Two

17:37

Read by Matthew Westra

30 - Chapter XII - Devout Observances, Part Three

18:54

Read by Matthew Westra

31 - Chapter XII - Devout Observances, Part Four

16:47

Read by Matthew Westra

32 - Chapter XIII - Survivals of the Non-Invidious Interests, Part One

18:07

Read by musil

33 - Chapter XIII - Survivals of the Non-Invidious Interests, Part Two

20:16

Read by musil

34 - Chapter XIII - Survivals of the Non-Invidious Interests, Part Three

20:09

Read by musil

35 - Chapter XIV - The Higher Learning as an Expression of the Pecuniary Cultur…

16:19

Read by J. M. Smallheer

36 - Chapter XIV - The Higher Learning as an Expression of the Pecuniary Cultur…

15:20

Read by J. M. Smallheer

37 - Chapter XIV - The Higher Learning as an Expression of the Pecuniary Cultur…

16:27

Read by J. M. Smallheer

38 - Chapter XIV - The Higher Learning as an Expression of the Pecuniary Cultur…

14:09

Read by J. M. Smallheer

Bewertungen

The classic social critique of class cultures

(4 Sterne)

A must read for social theorists and economists alike. Veblen's classic theoretical text identifies the wasteful elements and origins of consumer lifestyles by tracing the unfolding of human societal evolution from predatory to more peaceable societies driven he argues by the instinctive motive of emulation which is the desire for increase and displaying evidences of pecuniary strength (wealth) and standing well in the thoughts of others (reputability)

Great book

(4,5 Sterne)

Overall a great book with many interesting concepts that still apply today, Veblen had insights that helped shape the current economic thought and his theories pave the way for the understanding of consumerism without making many generalizations towards individual consumer choices.

Thanks

(5 Sterne)

Thanks for this very interesting group recording. I've asked several of my friends to listen to it. I don't agree with Mr. Veblen's attack on the YMCA and Salvation Army.

(4 Sterne)

Really appreciate the good work done here. This is a foundational text that is hard to access and well read on this recording. The later chapters are read with less understanding and emphasis than the earlier, which are quite good.

Interesting outlook about society

(5 Sterne)

A nice introduction to sociology