Abandoned Quote by W. H. Auden
“The class distinctions proper to a democratic society are not those of rank or money, still less, as is apt to happen when these are abandoned, of race, but of age.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: “The Age of Anxiety”, 1939, literary publication
In a democracy, true distinctions are based on age and experience, not wealth, rank, or race.
In simple terms: Democratic value lies in age, not status.
Key Takeaway
Value experience over wealth or race.
Themes
democracy
equality
age
social hierarchy
values
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- voting
- workplace policies
- community leadership
Key Concepts
political theory
social stratification
generational equity
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies balance age with merit?
- What role does experience play in leadership?
A Different Perspective
Age may not fully capture merit or perspective.
![“Of all the hokum with which this country [America] is riddled, the most odd is the common notion that it is free of class distinctions.” quote by W. Somerset Maugham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f53/w-somerset-maugham-237_america_of-all-the-hokum-with-which-this-country_2951060.jpg)
