What's Left of Philosophy 115 | Modern Barbarism with Thorstein Veblen
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Jun 10, 2025 Delve into Thorstein Veblen’s radical ideas that link modern culture to predatory barbarism, all fueled by capitalist excess. Explore how conspicuous consumption has become a social game, with the wealthy showcasing absurd priorities, like dreaming of colonizing Mars instead of solving earthly issues. The conversation humorously critiques the nostalgic Canadian attachment to the monarchy while reflecting on class dynamics. Touch on the persistent human drive for social esteem and the curious rituals of our ruling class that mirror ancient behaviors.
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Performative Wealth Displays
- Wealthy people often engage in wasteful, ostentatious behavior to demonstrate superiority rather than satisfy needs.
- This performative consumption signals social status, not rational economic behavior.
Modern Barbarism Continues
- Modern culture continues the predatory, barbaric behavior of the past despite huge productive surpluses.
- Social esteem is a race without end where people demonstrate superiority through consumption or leisure.
Musk and Trump Exemplify Status Craving
- Elon Musk and Donald Trump epitomize conspicuous consumption through extravagant and excessive lifestyles.
- Their displays illustrate a desperate thirst for social approval, exposing the emptiness of their status.
