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Time Quote by E.M. Forster

“Had he lived some centuries ago, in the brightly coloured civilizations of the past, he would have had a definite status, his rank and his income would have corresponded. But in his day the angel of Democracy had arisen, enshadowing the classes with leathern wings, and proclaiming, "All men are…” quote by E.M. Forster
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““Had he lived some centuries ago, in the brightly coloured civilizations of the past, he would have had a definite status, his rank and his income would have corresponded. But in his day the angel of Democracy had arisen, enshadowing the classes with leathern wings, and proclaiming, "All men are equal--all men, that is to say, who possess umbrellas...””

E.M. Forster

About This Quote

Source Novel: A Passage to India, E.M. Forster, 1924

Social hierarchies shift with political change, leaving traditional status uncertain.

In simple terms: Status changes with democracy.

Key Takeaway

Adapt to new social realities.

Themes

social change class democracy identity history

Mood

reflective critical thoughtful

Type

philosophical observational

When to use this quote

  • career advancement
  • political activism
  • personal identity formation
  • historical analysis

Key Concepts

political theory social dynamics class structure

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does democracy reshape personal status?
  • What defines true equality in modern societies?
A Different Perspective

Democracy may not guarantee true equality for all.

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