A
Happy Birthday, Thorstein Veblen, who invented the expression “conspicuous( 炫耀性) consumption ”.
Why do we buy? What drives us to get things we know we don’t need and that we know are bad for the planet? Thorstein Veblen, born on July 30th, 1857, discussed this in his 1899 book The Theory of the Leisure Class, where he first wrote about conspicuous consumption.
According to a website named Conspicuous Consumption, the term refers to consumers who buy expensive items to show off their wealth and income rather than cover their real needs. Such a consumer shows such behavior to enjoy or achieve higher social status. The result, according to Veblen, is a society characterized by wasted time and money.
There is also a type of goods called “Veblen goods”, which really exist only to show the status of the person buying them. Rolls-Royce or fancy supercars are a good example; a Lamborghini won’t get you anywhere faster in a world with speed limits. A Patek-Philippe watch doesn’t keep time as accurately as a Timex.
Conspicuous consumption can lead to conspicuous waste —the ability to just throw things away and buy replacements even when they work perfectly well. Through “conspicuous consumption” often came “conspicuous waste”, which Veblen hated. Much of modern advertising is built upon a Veblenian idea of consumption and competition.
Veblen also explains why poor people won’t fight against conspicuous consumption. The poor, and all those persons who concentrate on the struggle to make a living, are conservative because they cannot afford the effort of taking thought for the day after tomorrow.
Some of Veblen’s theories wouldn’t find a place in today’s USA, but you must be impressed by his most famous saying: Invention is the mother of necessity.
Happy 163rd Birthday, Thorstein Veblen!
21. What is conspicuous consumption usually connected with?
A. Social position. B. People’s needs. C. Economic growth. D. Market demand.
22. What might the poor think of conspicuous consumption?
A. It is a traditional practice. B. It is none of their business.
C. It promotes consumption. D. It is a goal they try to achieve.
23. What is the author’s purpose in writing the text?
A. To challenge Veblen’s theories. B. In defense of some economics terms.
C. In honor of a famous economist. D. To prevent conspicuous consumption.
【答案】21. A 22. B 23. C
【解析】
这是一篇说明文。文章主要介绍了“炫耀性消费”这种社会现象，这种表达是由Thorstein Veblen提出的，他在他的著作中第一次提到了这种现象。文章介绍了“炫耀性消费”的含义，以及出现这种现象的原因和导致的不良影响等。
【21题详解】
细节理解题。根据第三段中“According to a website named Conspicuous Consumption, the term refers to consumers who buy expensive items to show off their wealth and income rather than cover their real needs. Such a consumer shows such behavior to enjoy or achieve higher social status. (据一家名为‘炫耀性消费’的网站介绍，“炫耀性消费”指的是那些购买昂贵物品以炫耀财富和收入，而不是满足实际需求的消费者。这样的消费者表现出这样的行为是为了享受或获得更高的社会地位)”可知，炫耀性消费通常与社会地位有关。故选A。
【22题详解】
推理判断题。根据倒数第三段“Veblen also explains why poor people won’t fight against conspicuous consumption. The poor, and all those persons who concentrate on the struggle to make a living, are conservative because they cannot afford the effort of taking thought for the day after tomorrow.( Veblen还解释了为什么穷人不反对炫耀性消费。穷人和所有专注于谋生的人都是保守的，因为他们负担不起考虑今后所要付出的努力)”可推知，穷人认为炫耀性消费不关他们的事。故选B。
【23题详解】
推理判断题。根据第一段“Happy Birthday, Thorstein Veblen, who invented the expression ‘conspicuous( 炫耀性) consumption’.(发明了“炫耀性消费”这个表达的Thorstein Veblen，祝你生日快乐)”以及最后一段“Happy 163rd Birthday, Thorstein Veblen!( 祝你163岁生日快乐，Thorstein Veblen！)”结合文章主要介绍了“炫耀性消费”这种社会现象，这种表达是由Thorstein Veblen提出的，他在他的著作中第一次提到了这种现象。文章介绍了“炫耀性消费”的含义，以及出现这种现象的原因和导致的不良影响等。可推知，作者写这篇文章的目的是纪念一位著名的经济学家。故选C。
