Skip to content

They talk o' rich folks bein' stuck up and genteel, but…

“They talk o' rich folks bein' stuck up and genteel, but for iron-clad pride o' respectability there's nowt like poor chapel folk. Why, 'tis as cold as the wind on Greenhow Hill -- aye, and colder, too, for 'twill never change.” quote by Rudyard Kipling
Download Open image
““They talk o' rich folks bein' stuck up and genteel, but for iron-clad pride o' respectability there's nowt like poor chapel folk. Why, 'tis as cold as the wind on Greenhow Hill -- aye, and colder, too, for 'twill never change.””

Rudyard Kipling

About This Quote

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

Pride and class divisions keep the poor isolated, while the rich remain aloof, leading to mutual coldness and stagnation.

In simple terms: Class pride isolates both rich and poor.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and bridge social divides.

Themes

class pride social division isolation inequality

Mood

melancholic contemplative

Type

social commentary poetic

When to use this quote

  • community building
  • social activism
  • dialogue across classes

Key Concepts

social hierarchy human connection emotional coldness

Questions to Reflect On

  • What steps can reduce class‑based pride?
  • How might empathy change the “cold” atmosphere?
A Different Perspective

Ignoring class differences perpetuates misunderstanding and conflict.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Rudyard Kipling

Explore all 491 Rudyard Kipling quotes

More Pride-and-prejudice quotes

Browse all 62 Pride-and-prejudice quotes