Thorstein Veblen：The Theory of the Leisure Class, Excerpt 35

The lasting evidence of productive labour is its material product--commonly some article of consumption. In the case of exploit it is similarly possible and usual to procure some tangible result that may serve for exhibition in the way of trophy or booty. At a later phase of the development it is customary to assume some badge of insignia of honour that will serve as a conventionally accepted mark of exploit, and which at the same time indicates the quantity or degree of exploit of which it is the symbol. As the population increases in density, and as human relations grow more complex and numerous, all the details of life undergo a process of elaboration and selection; and in this process of elaboration the use of trophies develops into a system of rank, titles, degrees and insignia, typical examples of which are heraldic devices, medals, and honorary decorations.

Source： https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/833
Locator：Excerpt 35 · Verified：2026-10-19 · Verification：Short excerpt

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