Thornstein Veblen, Chill Out

Overall I wasn't fond of Veblen's writing so I find it difficult to respond in an analytical manner.  His complex structure and style lost my attention quickly to the point where I would get through reading a paragraph and not remember what I just read.  To Veblen it is not enough to simply have knowledge, but he also must assert himself as an intellect through his theories and in his appeal to his reader.  I found his style of writing and one of the aspects of his theory to be in strong agreement with one another.  

          He states in chapter three, "In order to gain and to hold the esteem of men it is not sufficient merely to possess wealth or power. The wealth or power must be put in evidence, for esteem is awarded only on evidence".  Essentially he is saying that to have wealth and power is not enough to earn respect, the one who possesses these attributes must exercise them and make them known to other people.  In terms of wealth and power this usually results in a material display, buying the most expensive houses, cars, and clothes, and making yourself an authority within your community, often times through political office or social groups.  This parallels his own writing style, and seems to be applicable to most any quality you have.  

          It is not good enough to possess a quality if you don't let everyone know it.  Veblen is assumed to be smart, but it is not good enough to be intelligent and thoughtful, he must make it apparent through his prose.  The concept that in order to be respected you must show off a little is not something I  agree with.  I think you must demonstrate desirable qualities to make them known to people, but it should be done so humbly and subtly.  Ostentatious gestures are typically frowned upon, so the "evidence" being proposed should be brought about tactfully.  The proof of the significance of tact is apparent in many of the novels we have read.  Some humble-pie would have served Silas Lapham well on an occasion or two.  Trying too hard to show evidence of qualities often leads to looking like a fool rather than a dignified figure.  My advice to Veblen would be to chill out with his writing style.  I get that he's smart, but the way he promotes his own intellect in his discourse is obnoxious.