Knowledge is the new Capital

It was an interesting story that we read in Wallpaper Magazine #94 about the changes occurring in the luxury goods market. In "The New Luxe", Nick Compton quotes Dutch designer Hella Jongerius as saying "The stories behind products are the luxuries" and this reminded us of David Brooks' 2000 book, Bourgeois Bohemians, and the importance placed on the details surrounding household items.

What we find interesting is the possibiltiy that we are in the midst of change in metaphors and guiding principles. Cultural ages tend to have "big ideas"that provide a frame of reference for much of their thinking. During the feudal era, God and religion provided that arch, whereas the economy, and capital, have proved to be the guiding framework for the last few centuries. While new ideas can co-exist with old ones for awhile, each metaphor tends to back different social groups, and requires alternate mobilization of resources in society. Once a new idea reaches a critical mass, it can no longer peacefully co-exist and a struggle for society will ensue.

We are clearly not at this point yet, but it will be interesting to see where this develops as more and more aspects of society adjust to the flood of information, facts, and knowledge that are readily available.