Skip to content

There was a wonderful old man [...] who had a piece of…

“There was a wonderful old man [...] who had a piece of property [...] he would rent out for twenty dollards a year or so to any young person he thought might have a future in the arts. [...] He declared he wouldn't install running water because he didn't like the class of people it attracted.” quote by Joseph Campbell
Download Open image
““There was a wonderful old man [...] who had a piece of property [...] he would rent out for twenty dollards a year or so to any young person he thought might have a future in the arts. [...] He declared he wouldn't install running water because he didn't like the class of people it attracted.””

Joseph Campbell

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

An eccentric landlord refuses modern amenities to avoid attracting a certain social class, reflecting class bias.

In simple terms: Landlord avoids water to keep out certain people.

Key Takeaway

Question class assumptions.

Themes

class bias property social stratification

Mood

critical reflective analytical

Type

social economic

When to use this quote

  • rental property
  • urban housing
  • class tension
  • social engineering

Key Concepts

elitism social exclusion

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does this say about class prejudice?
  • How would you design inclusive housing?
A Different Perspective

May be anecdotal and not representative.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Joseph Campbell

Explore all 711 Joseph Campbell quotes

More Art quotes

Browse all 48,643 Art quotes