Thorstein Veblen's groundbreaking treatise upon the evolution of the affluent classes of society traces the development of conspicuous consumption from the feudal Middle Ages to the end of the 19th century. Beginning with the end of the Dark Ages, Veblen examines the evolution of the hierarchical social structures. How they incrementally evolved and influenced the overall picture of human society is discussed. Veblen believed that the human social order was immensely unequal and stratified, to the point where vast amounts of merit are consequently ignored and wasted. Veblen draws comparisons between industrialization and the advancement of production and the exploitation and domination of labor, which he considered analogous to a barbarian conquest happening from within society. The heavier and harder labor falls to the lower members of the order, while the light work is accomplished by the owners of capital: the leisure class.

Public Opinion is Walter Lippmann's groundbreaking work which demonstrates how individual beliefs are swayed by stereotypes, the mass media, and political propaganda. The book opens with the notion that democracy in the age of super fast communications is obsolete. He analyses the impact of several phenomena, such as the radio and newspapers, to support his criticisms of the sociopolitical situation as it stands. He famously coins the term 'manufactured consent', for the fomenting of views which ultimately work against the interests of those who hold them. Lippmann contends that owing to the masses of information flung at the population on a daily basis, opinions regarding entire groups in society are being reduced to simple stereotypes. The actual complexity and nuance of life, Lippmann contends, is undermined by the ever-faster modes of communication appearing regularly.

The masterwork of James Allen, As a Man Thinketh demonstrates the supreme power of thought to change our outlook, attainments and destiny. Embarking on an exploration of the mind's powers, James Allen discusses how thinking influences major facets of action, both internal and in the world around us. Writing plainly but profoundly, the author demonstrates the sheer influence that thinking habits have upon our lives. The author explains his overarching belief that when a person changes how they think, their lives will reflect this difference - the attainment of things such as joy, material or other successes and inner peace represent but a fraction of the possibilities. Philosophical and motivational, this book has long occupied the shelves of millions. While short, the text represents a wellspring of value, useful to refer back to and understand time and again.