Source: The Theory of the Leisure Class (1899), p. 126
Science and Technology
Lewis Mumford (1930) Modern American design. R.L. Leonard, & C.A. Glassgold (eds.), American Union of Decorative Artists and Craftsmen. p. 9; As cited in: V.T. Clayton et al. Drawing on America's Past, p. 28
Quotes, Our Larger Tasks (2002)
Context: Our most important immediate task is to continue to tear up the Al Qaeda network, and since it is present in many countries, it will be an operation, which requires new forms of sustained cooperation with other governments.
Even if we give first priority to the destruction of terrorist networks, and even if we succeed, there are still governments that could bring us great harm. And there is a clear case that one of these governments in particular represents a virulent threat in a class by itself: Iraq.
As far as I am concerned, a final reckoning with that government should be on the table. To my way of thinking, the real question is not the principle of the thing, but of making sure that this time we will finish the matter on our terms. But finishing it on our terms means more than a change of regime in Iraq.
“In beauty faults conspicuous grow;
The smallest speck is seen on snow.”
Fable XI, "The Peacock, Turkey, and Goose"
Fables (1727)
Source: The Theory of the Leisure Class (1899), p. 110
undated quotes, The Daily Practice of Painting, Writings (1962-1993)
“An expansive life, one not constrained by four walls, requires as well an expansive pocket.”
Letter to A.S. Suvorin (March 11, 1892)
Letters
Address to the Society for Psychical Research (1897)
Context: I will point out a curious, inveterate, and widespread illusion — the illusion that our earthly bodies are a kind of norm of humanity, so that ethereal bodies, if such there be, must correspond to them in shape and size.
When we take a physical view of a human being in his highest form of development, he is seen to consist essentially of a thinking brain, the brain itself, among its manifold functions, being a transformer whereby intelligent will power is enabled to react on matter. To communicate with the external world, the brain requires organs by which it can be transported from place to place, and other organs by means of which energy is supplied to replace that expended in the exercise of its own special functions.
