"Few people at the beginning of the nineteenth century needed an adman to tell them what they wanted"

John Kenneth Galbraith's quote speaks with the idea that individuals in the early nineteenth century were more self-sufficient and independent in their decision-making than people today. At that time, people were more likely to count on their own judgement and knowledge to choose what they wanted, rather than depending on the guidance of an advertising expert. This quote implies that individuals in the early nineteenth century were more self-reliant and had a better understanding of their own needs and desires than individuals today. This could be credited to the reality that people in the early nineteenth century had fewer diversions and more time to consider what they wanted. Additionally, people in the early nineteenth century were less likely to be affected by the viewpoints of others, as marketing was not as pervasive as it is today. This quote speaks with the idea that individuals in the early nineteenth century were more independent and self-reliant in their decision-making than individuals today.