Among all the emotions, the rich have the least talent for love. It is possible to love one's dog, dress or duck-shooting hat, but a human being presents a more difficult problem. The rich might wish to experience feelings of affection, but it is almost impossible to chip away the enamel of their narcissism. They take up all the space in all the mirrors in the house. Their children, who represent the most present and therefore the most annoying claim on their attention, usually receive the brunt of their irritation.

Summary

This quote suggests that the wealthy often struggle with truly experiencing and expressing love. While they may be capable of affection towards material possessions or pets, forming deep connections with other human beings is more challenging for them. The quote attributes this difficulty to their inherent narcissism, indicating that their self-centeredness and obsession with their own image impedes their ability to empathize and prioritize others. As a result, their children, who demand their attention and challenge their self-focus, often bear the brunt of their irritability and lack of affection.

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