Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 6.djvu/838

 824 THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY

ethics of citizenship require him to make use of his wealth either in whole or in part for the public good ?

The first item in the consumption of wealth is expended to provide the necessities of life for the individual and those dependent upon him. Such an expenditure is indorsed as a matter of course. The next item, in the natural course of events, is expended for the comforts of life for the same per- sons. Few would look upon this expenditure with disapproval. The necessities and comforts of life being provided, the average citizen indulges in luxuries to a greater or less extent according to his means and inclinations. Here, then, we enter upon debatable ground. Shall we say with Ruskin that "no nation has a right to indulge in luxuries until all its poor are com- fortably housed and fed," or shall we defend the right of a man to live luxuriously as long as his money is procured in a legiti- mate way ? Shall we utter a sweeping condemnation upon luxurious living, or shall we discriminate ?

It will facilitate our consideration if we view the matter from the standpoint of the historian, the moralist, and the economist respectively.

The indictments brought against luxury by the historians of the decadent oriental and classical nations are usually sweeping and severe. The historical philosopher usually sees the seeds of decay in luxurious living, and rightly so in many instances. The most familiar example of a nation whose vitality has been sapped by luxury is that of Rome. The historians have pictured again and again the awful spectacle of that luxury which is termed "imprudent" and "immoral," to say nothing of the more forcible terms. Seneca tells us that the Romans during the early period of the empire took an enthusiastic delight in securing fish from the most distant seas. The fish was killed upon the table in the presence of the guests, in order that the dying struggles, and the incident changes of color, emphasized by an infusion, might delight the eye of the epicure. Flocks of sheep were dyed purple, fish-ponds were constructed on the roofs of houses, and hanging gardens on towers, in order that the noble Roman might not be wearied with the monotony of life. Costly pearls