Chapter LXXXI: Section CCXXIII

THE MOST DETRIMENTAL KIND OF EXTRAVAGANCE.

The kind of extravagance which it is most natural we should desire to see put an end to, is that which procures enjoyment to no one. I need call attention only to the excessive durability and solidity of certain buildings. It is more economical to build a house that will last 60 years for $10,000, than one which will last 400 years for $20,000; for in 60 years the interest saved on the $10,000 would be enough to build three such houses.[223-1] This is, of course, not applicable to houses built as works of art, or only to produce an imposing effect. The object the ancient Egyptians had in view in building their obelisks and pyramids continues to be realized even in our day.

I might also call attention to the premature casting away of things used. Our national economy has saved incredible sums since rags have been manufactured into paper. In Paris 4,000 persons make a living from what they pick up in the streets.[223-2]

[Footnote 223-1: Compare _Minard_, Notions élémentaires
d'Economie politique appliquée aux Travaux publics, 1850, 71
ff. He calls to mind the many strong castles of the age of
chivalry, the Roman aqueducts, theaters, etc., which are
still in a good state of preservation, but which can be used
by no one; so many bridges too narrow for our purposes, and
so many roads too steep. The sluices at Dunkirk, made 12.60
metres in width by Vauban, were made 16 meters wider in
1822, and still are too narrow for Atlantic steamships. In
England, private individuals have well learned to take all
this into account. Compare _J. B. Say_, Cours pratique,
translated by Morstadt, I, 454 ff.]

[Footnote 223-2: _Fregier_, Die gefährlichen Klassen,
translated 1840, I, 2, 38. In Yorkshire it is said that
woolen rags to the amount of £52,000,000 a year are
manufactured into useful articles. (_Tooke_,
Wool-Production, 196.) Compare The Use of Refuse: Quart.
Rev., April, 1868. On the ancient Greek ragpickers the
so-called spermologois, see _St. John_, The Hellenes, III,
91; on the Roman _Centonariis_: _Cato_, R. R., 135;
_Columella_, R. R., I, 8, 9; _Marquardt_, II, 476, V, 2,
187.]

CHAPTER II.

LUXURY.