This quote from Barbara W. Tuchman's "The Proud Tower" reflects the idea that in certain societies, the focus was not on accumulating wealth but rather on utilizing it. The proper mindset emphasized enjoyment and the expenditure of money rather than its creation. This perspective indicates a cultural attitude where financial gain was less important than the appreciation of wealth in terms of lifestyle and experiences.

Tuchman's analysis suggests that such societal views played a role in shaping the values and behaviors of the time. The prioritization of spending over earning may have influenced social dynamics, contributing to the way individuals interacted with one another and how they perceived their place within the social hierarchy. This commentary presents a nuanced understanding of economic behavior in the context of the historical period leading up to World War I.