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nydus/The Theory of Business EnterprisePublic

Thorstein Veblen examines the modern industrial system as a structure defined by the machine process and investment for profit. He analyzes how business enterprise and the pursuit of financial gain serve as the primary forces directing contemporary economic organization.

Page 274 of 422
Table of Contents

CHAPTER Vn

all and several, inadequate and inconsequent, in that they do not touch Oie root ol the evil — oversaving or " underconBumption," The; do not touch this because tbey do not mitigate the automatic saving atid investment ptoceaa that necesttrlly goes with the possession of large private Incomes. But In point ot practical efficiency his own proposed remedies must also be scheduled nndsr the bead of "palliatives." These proposed remedies are measures looking to a " Reformed Dlttrlbution of Consuming Power" (ch. VI.}, such as laxation of "unearned " incomes, higher wages, shorter working day. The aim is " to increase the proportion o( the total wealth ol the community, which falling to them ai wages shall be spent in raising the general standard of workiog-claasconaumpUon." The contemplated move is manifestly chimerical in any community, such ss the modem iudustrial communities, where public policy i* with growing itngleneM ot purpose guided by business interests with a naive view to an IncreaM of proUts.

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