Thorstein Veblen

An Inquiry into the Nature of Peace, and the Terms of Its Perpetuation Thorstein Veblen

One of the great thinkers of the early 20th century, American economist and sociologist THORSTEIN BUNDE VEBLEN (1857-1929) is best remembered for coining the phrase "conspicuous consumption." In the waning days of World War I, he turned his expertise on a pressing issue of the day: how to create a lasting, healthy peace, and how industry might contribute to it. In this 1917 book, Veblen explores... . how the concept of patriotism can undermine efforts toward peace . how modern commerce can unify nations . why honor must be sustained by surrendering nations . how war in the 20th century is a battle between modes of government and national character . and more. ALSO FROM COSIMO: Veblen's The Vested Interests and the Common Man, The Theory of Business Enterprise, and Imperial Germany and the Industrial Revolution