“In classical cultures, an ascended class had to justify itself before those now below in the social structure. But the culture revolution of our time has eliminated this need for class- as well as self-justification. Nevertheless, those below still seek to emulate the ascendant social class, without being convinced of its superiority.”

—  Philip Rieff

The Triumph of the Therapeutic (1966)

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Philip Rieff 16
American sociologist 1922–2006

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