The theory of the leisure class. An economic study of institutions. With an introduction by C. Wright Mills.

Pocket, 261 pp, index. In The Theory of the Leisure Class (first published in 1899 by MacMillan), the instincts of emulation (wedijver) and predation play a major role. People (understood is groups of people), rich and poor alike, attempt to impress others and seek to gain advantage through what Veblen coined "conspicuous consumption" and the ability to engage in “conspicuous leisure.” (ex. playing tennis, polo or golf, LT) In this work Veblen argued that consumption is used as a way to gain and signal status. Through "conspicuous consumption" often came "conspicuous waste", which Veblen detested. Veblen (1857-19290803) had a great influence on Galbraith and on Lasswell.