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Industrial civilization is only possible when there's no self-denial. Self-indulgence up to the very limits imposed by hygiene and economics. Otherwise the wheels stop turning.
Aldous Huxley
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote emphasizes that modern industrial society thrives on self-indulgence, relying on consumer satisfaction without restraint to function effectively.

Aldous Huxley's quote suggests that the advancement of industrial civilization is intrinsically tied to the concept of self-indulgence. It posits that as long as individuals pursue their desires without denying themselves, the mechanisms of society—like production and consumption—can operate smoothly. However, any significant restraint or self-denial disrupts this flow, halting progress and efficiency. Thus, it speaks to the precarious balance between human desires and the necessities of a functional economy.

Themes

Self-IndulgenceCivilizationEconomicsHygieneDesireSociety

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about consumerism, one could use this quote to highlight the dependence of industrial society on fulfilling human desires.

More from Aldous Huxley

To his dog, every man is Napoleon; hence the constant popularity of dogs.
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Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored.
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In the course of history many more people have died for their drink and their dope than have died for their religion or their country.
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On no account brood over your wrongdoing. Rolling in the muck is not the best way of getting clean.
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No man ever dared to manifest his boredom so insolently as does a Siamese tomcat when he yawns in the face of his amorously importunate wife.
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The leech's kiss, the squid's embrace, The prurient ape's defiling touch: And do you like the human race? No, not much.
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