Lately, I find myself living in the World of conspicuous and invidious consumptions. The World that is full of people spending money on goods for purpose of showing the wealth and inspiring envy in others!
The World that is full of people who became more inclined to define themselves by what they possessed.

The people who spend a fortune to attain (or gain or maintain) their "hi-social status".
... just to "keep up with the Joneses" -- just to be as good as one's neighbours.

Q: Do I enjoy a decent bath because I delight in being clean?
A: Hell, no! I know that John Smith cannot afford one!

I have to agree with Veblen, totally. It's odd to find myself agreeing with an american .
He mentioned about conspicuous consumption as the waste of money (and time) by people to display a higher status than others. It is sad but yet so true.

One famous example is the use of a ridiculously expensive handbag, even though many much cheaper ones out there work just as well or, in some cases, even better.

Q: Do I enjoy possessing a luxury handbag because it is so durable and comes with perfect design?
A: Hell, no! I know that friends of mine cannot afford one! And, I know Martha owns it, by the way.

To my mind, those bags are just one of what they call "Veblen goods"!
We are not talking about the theory of demand and supply here.

Why is that?

This is because the increase of demand for buying these goods is a direct function of their price.
If you want to make it sale, just increase the price. It is simple just that!
I know it sounds funny but it is true.

To me, conspicuous consumption does not make one a bigger person but is a road to personal bankruptcies. It only makes a few people richer and the rest of us are left poor
... looking at the rarely used handbag kept nicely and clean in the wardrobe
... feeling unhappy and dumb.

Well, this is the f@&%ing sick World I live in.
... the World you live in.
... the World we live in.