College Quote by Thomas Hardy
““It takes two or three generations to do what I tried to do in one; and my impulses--affections--vices perhaps they should be called-- were too strong not to hamper a man without advantages; who should be as cold-blooded as a fish and as selfish as a pig to have a really good chance of being one of his country's worthies. You may ridicule me--I am quite willing that you should-- I am a fit subject, no doubt. But I think if you knew what I have gone through these last few years you would rather pity me. And if they knew"--he nodded towards the college at which the dons were severally arriving--"it is just possible they would do the same.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Tess of the d'Urbervilles, 1891
The narrator reflects on the difficulty of achieving personal success quickly, noting that others often rely on multiple generations and selfishness, while he feels disadvantaged and subject to ridicule.
In simple terms: Success is hard and often requires generations, yet personal struggle feels unfair.
Key Takeaway
Recognize systemic barriers and seek supportive allies.
Themes
struggle
generational
selfishness
social mobility
humility
Mood
melancholic
determined
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- career advancement
- family expectations
- social activism
- mental health
- education access
Key Concepts
social inequality
personal resilience
legacy
class struggle
Questions to Reflect On
- What can societies do to reduce generational inequities?
- How can individuals balance ambition with ethical behavior?
A Different Perspective
The quote may romanticize hardship, overlooking structural solutions and collective responsibility.
