Robert Reich's dazzling overview of the high price of success in our society contains a troubling chapter on how attention has become another commodity in the new economy. Here are several paragraphs on the subject.
"Exquisite personal attention is lavished on people who are busy earning a lot of money, as they earn it. The pleasures of being pampered at a five-star hotel, joining clients to watch the World Series from a catered skybox, or dining with suppliers in a swank restaurant come as tax-free perks enjoyed in pursuit of money. Companies are willing to foot the bill for all this attention in order to attract and retain talented people, appreciative clients, and reliable suppliers, especially since the rest of the tax-paying public is picking up part of the tab....
"In a world of more technology and less time, the essence of luxury is to have time lavished on you by another human being — the charming concierge who personally arranges your stay; the hotel housekeeper who provides fresh flowers, folds the towels just so, fluffs the pillow, lays out the soft cotton kimono and plush terry slippers, and asks if you need anything else before bedtime; the wake-up call at 6 a.m. from a real human being instead of a voice-synthesized clock. It's the restaurant maître d' who knows your name and ushers you to your favorite table, where waiters hover and the wine steward offers his personal recommendation as the chef prepares your favorite dish. It's the doorman of your co-op apartment who obligingly hands you the package that has been delivered, and inquires after the family."