Markets in everything, Thorstein Veblen edition
A watch that doesn’t tell time. Oh, it costs $300,000. And:
He added that anyone can buy a watch that tells time – only a truly discerning customer can buy one that doesn’t.
And here’s the best part: The watch sold out within 48 hours of its launch.
I thank Darren Klein for the pointer.
Addendum: I am reminded of Borges on Veblen: "When, many years ago, I happened to read this book, I thought it was a satire. I later learned it was the first work of an illustrious sociologist."