# Thorstein Veblen — The Story of Utopias character guide

> Thorstein Veblen in The Story of Utopias by Lewis Mumford.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Mr. Thorstein Veblen

**First appearance:** 0003-the-story-of-utopias

## Who they are

American economist and sociologist whose theories are cited in the text.

## In the story

### [A Visit to Freeland](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_utopias_se/chapters/iv)

Referenced for his concept of 'conspicuous waste' in criticizing the waste of the leisured classes.

### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_utopias_se/chapters/vi)

Referenced indirectly through the furniture manufacturer's contempt, as if he had read Veblen's Theory of the Leisure Class.

### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_utopias_se/chapters/iii)

Cited for his work 'The Place of Science in Civilization' and the idea that science arises from idle curiosity.

### [Bibliography](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_utopias_se/chapters/bibliography)

His 'Theory of the Leisure Class' is recommended as a unique satire prefacing the chapter on the Country House.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_utopias_se/characters/thorstein_veblen
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_utopias_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_story_of_utopias_se/characters