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I am told that today rather more than 60 per cent of the…

“I am told that today rather more than 60 per cent of the men who go to the universities go on a Government grant. This is a new class that has entered upon the scene ... They are scum.” quote by W. Somerset Maugham
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“I am told that today rather more than 60 per cent of the men who go to the universities go on a Government grant. This is a new class that has entered upon the scene ... They are scum.”

W. Somerset Maugham

About This Quote

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

The speaker disparages government‑funded students, labeling them as inferior.

In simple terms: He calls grant‑receiving students ‘scum.’

Key Takeaway

Class bias can manifest as contempt for public aid recipients.

Themes

class education elitism bias

Mood

cynical critical

Type

political social commentary

When to use this quote

  • debates over tuition subsidies
  • discussions about meritocracy
  • political rhetoric on welfare

Key Concepts

social stratification prejudice

Practical Applications

  • promote inclusive language in policy discussions
  • highlight contributions of publicly funded scholars

Questions to Reflect On

  • What evidence supports or refutes the claim that grant students are less capable?
  • How does language shape public attitudes toward education funding?
A Different Perspective

The blanket condemnation ignores individual merit and systemic inequities.

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