We are the bourgeoisie–the third estate, as they call us now–and what we want is a nobility of merit, nothing more. We don't recognize this lazy nobility we now have, we reject our present class hierarchy. We want all men to be free and equal, for no one to be someone else's subject, but for all to be subject to the law. There should be an end of privileges and arbitrary power. Everyone should be treated equally as a child of the state, and just as there are no longer any middlemen between the layman and his God, so each citizen should stand in direct relation to the state. We want freedom of the press, of employment, of commerce. We want all men to compete without any special privileges, and the only crown should be the crown of merit. . Thomas Mann
About This Quote

The idea that we are the bourgeoisie is a new one. It was the first time that the word bourgeoisie was used to describe a social class, and it is a very modern way of looking at things. The bourgeoisie were those people who used to own large amounts of land and industry, but now most people work for them rather than owning their own businesses. This new word captures how we live today, as we are all in debt and working for money. We no longer own our own businesses and most of us do not have children who can inherit our wealth or property, so most of us don't have any wealth or property.

Source: Buddenbrooks: The Decline Of A Family

Some Similar Quotes
  1. It’s probably not just by chance that I’m alone. It would be very hard for a man to live with me, unless he’s terribly strong. And if he’s stronger than I, I’m the one who can’t live with him. … I’m neither smart nor stupid,... - Coco Chanel
  2. I am not an angel, ' I asserted; 'and I will not be one till I die: I will be myself. Mr. Rochester, you must neither expect nor exact anything celestial of me - for you will not get it, any more than I shall... - Unknown
  3. The really important kind of freedom involves attention, and awareness, and discipline, and effort, and being able truly to care about other people and to sacrifice for them, over and over, in myriad petty little unsexy ways, every day. - David Foster Wallace
  4. They say a good love is one that sits you down, gives you a drink of water, and pats you on top of the head. But I say a good love is one that casts you into the wind, sets you ablaze, makes you burn... - C. Joybell C.
  5. Keep your best wishes, close to your heart and watch what happens - Tony Deliso
More Quotes By Thomas Mann
  1. It is love, not reason, that is stronger than death.
  2. Nothing is more curious and awkward than the relationship of two people who only know each other with their eyes – who meet and observe each other daily, even hourly and who keep up the impression of disinterest either because of morals or because of...
  3. Forbearance in the face of fate, beauty constant under torture, are not merely passive. They are a positive achievement, an explicit triumph.
  4. Laughter is a sunbeam of the soul.
  5. He took in the squeaky music, the vulgar and pining melodies, because passion immobilizes good taste and seriously considers what soberly would be thought of as funny and to be resented.
Related Topics