Aldous Huxley's Essay 'Selected Snobberies'

512 Words3 Pages

In his essay "Selected Snobberies," Aldous Huxley critiques the various forms of snobbery that exist in society. He argues that snobbery is a universal phenomenon that is deeply ingrained in human nature and that it is often used as a tool for maintaining social hierarchies. However, Huxley also suggests that snobbery can be used to bring about positive change in society, particularly in the context of economic well-being. One of the key ways in which Huxley believes that snobbery can be useful in promoting economic well-being is through the concept of "productive snobbery." Huxley argues that certain professions and industries are traditionally seen as prestigious and desirable, such as law, medicine, and finance. These professions are often …show more content…

He argues that if society places a greater value on professions and industries that are important for economic development, such as engineering, technology, and manufacturing, then more people will be motivated to enter these fields. This, in turn, will lead to increased innovation, productivity, and economic growth. Huxley also suggests that snobbery can be useful in promoting a culture of excellence and quality. He argues that when society places a high value on quality and excellence in certain areas, such as education or the arts, it can create a positive feedback loop in which individuals strive to excel in these areas to achieve social status and recognition. This, in turn, leads to greater innovation, creativity, and excellence in these fields. In addition to promoting economic well-being through productive snobbery and a culture of excellence, Huxley also suggests that snobbery can be used to promote social and environmental responsibility. He argues that when society places a high value on social and environmental responsibility, individuals and organizations are more likely to take these issues seriously and make efforts to address them. This can lead to a more sustainable and equitable economy that benefits