Two nations; between whom there is no intercourse and no sympathy; who are as ignorant of each other's habits, thoughts, and feelings, as if they were dwellers in different zones, or inhabitants of different planets; who are formed by a different breeding, are fed by a different food, are ordered by different manners, and are not governed by the same laws: the rich and the poor.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Disraeli describes a deep societal divide where rich and poor live in separate worlds with no understanding or connection.
- In plain terms
- The rich and poor are so different they might as well be on different planets.
- What can you take from it?
- Social inequality creates separate worlds.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Where do you see class divides today?
- How can different groups understand each other?
Another view
Some interaction does occur even across class lines.
More from Benjamin Disraeli
Variant: To be conscious that you are ignorant is a great step to knowledge.
Permalink to quote #136 In great cities men are brought together by the desire of gain. They are not in a state of co-operation, but of isolation, as to the making of fortunes; and fo…
Permalink to quote #138 To be conscious that you are ignorant of the facts is a great step to knowledge.
Permalink to quote #135
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