‘Luxury’ has a moral original sin because it is impractical and creates a sense of incongruity between the relatively rich and the poor. Thus, it is true that ‘luxury’ also carries a negative image. However, the rich do purchase luxuries regularly, with a few practical exceptions. This is because luxury items not only incur less depreciation, but their resale value often exceeds the purchase price over time. Think of luxury handbags or jewelry. To preserve or increase wealth, you must have an eye for luxury. This doesn’t mean you should live in luxury; rather, it highlights the challenge of maintaining your accumulated wealth unless you change your habits and attitude toward acquiring assets. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”
A painting embodies both media and authority. The mural in the medieval cathedral catered to the illiterate, who could not read the Bible. Access to written information was granted solely to priests, representing a form of power. The Reformation diminished this authority. New forms of media transform power dynamics, either generating or redistributing power. This influence shapes our everyday experiences. Writing, photography, and graphics continue to affect power structures. To understand the shifts in power, you must engage in a blend of art and business. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”