Meaning: This quote by Clive Bell, an English art critic, challenges the common misconception that individuals with high wages are automatically part of the leisure class. The leisure class is a concept introduced by the sociologist Thorstein Veblen in his book "The Theory of the Leisure Class," in which he discusses how the upper class engages in non-productive activities as a display of their wealth and status. Bell's quote suggests that simply earning a high wage does not necessarily equate to belonging to the leisure class, as there are other factors and behaviors that define this social group.

The leisure class, according to Veblen, is characterized by its ability to engage in non-essential and non-productive activities due to its wealth and status. These activities are often aimed at displaying their affluence and leisure, such as extravagant vacations, conspicuous consumption, and participation in cultural events. However, Bell's quote challenges the assumption that individuals with high wages automatically fall into this category. It implies that the true leisure class is not solely defined by income, but also by the way individuals choose to use their time and resources.

In contemporary society, there is a tendency to equate financial success with membership in the leisure class. This can be seen in the glorification of wealthy individuals who are often portrayed as leading luxurious and leisurely lifestyles. However, Bell's quote urges us to consider that the leisure class is not solely defined by financial wealth, but also by the pursuit of non-productive activities and the conspicuous display of leisure.

One interpretation of Bell's quote is that a crowd of big wage-earners may indeed be working individuals who dedicate much of their time to their careers and professional pursuits. Despite earning high wages, they may not necessarily have the leisure time or inclination to engage in non-essential activities that are often associated with the leisure class. This challenges the stereotype that all high-income earners lead lives of leisure and extravagance.

Furthermore, the quote may also allude to the concept of "conspicuous consumption," a term coined by Veblen to describe the public display of wealth through lavish spending on goods and services. While individuals with high wages may have the means to engage in conspicuous consumption, Bell's quote suggests that this behavior alone does not qualify them as members of the leisure class. Instead, the leisure class is defined by a specific attitude and approach to life, characterized by a focus on non-essential activities and the conspicuous display of leisure.

In summary, Clive Bell's quote challenges the assumption that a crowd of big wage-earners automatically constitutes the leisure class. It prompts us to consider that the leisure class is not solely defined by financial wealth, but also by the pursuit of non-productive activities and the conspicuous display of leisure. By questioning this misconception, Bell encourages a more nuanced understanding of social class and the factors that truly define membership in the leisure class.