Quote

When virtue is banished, ambition invades the minds of
those who are disposed to receive it, and avarice
possesses the whole community. The objects of their
desires are changed; what they were fond of before has
become indifferent; they were free while under the
restraint of laws, but they would fain now be free to
act against law; and as each citizen is like a slave
who has run away from his master, that which was a maxim
of equity he calls rigour; that which was a rule of
action he styles constraint;  and to precaution he gives
the name of fear. Frugality, andnot the thirst of gain,
now passes for avarice. Formerly the wealth of
individuals constituted the public treasure; but now
this has become the patrimony of private persons. The
members of the commonwealth riot on the public spoils,
and its strength is only the power of a few, and the
licence of many.

-Montesquieu
The spirit of the laws

Disconnect

On the train in Japan there are advertisements plastered everywhere, even hanging along the top at regular intervals. I don't tend to notice them often because I read on my way into work, but the other day I was listening to a podcast instead and was looking around. Some fashion magazine had bought every space in the entire car, which I imagine cost a pretty penny. Anyway, what seemed odd to me was the fashion photos. Vivid colors mixed together, yellows and oranges and reds in a noisy jumble of patterns. Usually when the economy is doing poorly people tend toward dark colors, but I thought its possible the old adages are changing.

I got off the train and walked threw a crowded station. Anyone who hasn't been to a metro station in Japan, you may see hundreds and hundreds of people in a very short time. And I was walking threw a sea of blacks and grays. The only color I saw in the clothing were occasional coats, or maybe tan hear and there.

Until now fashion has been very media driven in Japan. I've met a few people in the industry and they say it is their job to create trends. I'm assuming the purpose is to drive consumerism, considering most shows are barely veiled commercials. But I'm wondering if they pushed a little too far this time. When I turned on the TV I saw all the TV personalities dressed in the same frilly colorful outfits as the magazines. Its clear this is the trend they are trying to sell, but perhaps this time it is so far out of touch with the realities people are living with that they aren't buying it just this once. I can't really say if that's good or bad but it certainly is interesting to see it happen.

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