Theory of leisure class

What's interesting in this book is that the author argues that economic life is driven by social vestige of pre-historic time rather than by notions of utility. In his opinion, society today is just a variation of old tribe.
A very progressive point in this book is the author's opinion that the leisure class, which rule the society, only makes a tiny and symbolic impact on the society compared with ordinary people. And the ruling class maintain the control of society through coercion, both directly and indirectly.

Intuitive observation:
Conspicuous consumption: consumption that shows the higher status of a group of customers.

Veblen goods: goods whose desirability increases with their price and scarcity, especially "socially visible" goods than goods consumed in private.

Conspicuous leisure: time given certain pursuits in return for higher status.

A very interesting point:
(1) I think that the author Veblen regards people as irrational creatures who want to be higher social status ones. They just emulate what noble people do to gain respect and social status.
And he thinks that modern businessmen are also these kinds of people(leisure class) because businessmen shift their investment and specialization in order to gain profit.

(2) Poor women status
Since the society is a variation of pre-historic time, women act the same role as they were in barbarian time. Men use them just to show the social status. They buy women the nicest costumes and cosmetics, which are conspicuous consumption. The goal is to show off men's wealth and power.

(3) Comment on sports
In the author's opinion, sports are merely a kind of conspicuous leisure, a way to get to know noble people and gain higher social status.

(4) Religion, manners are merely other forms of conspicuous consumption and leisure.

Doubts:
Sports are not that bad. When bored, we play sports for entertainment. There are also a lot of kinds of sports that are practised alone. In my opinion, sports is more about exercise and entertainment.

Religion is a method for people to find console in mundane world. It's helpful to our mind.