The Landlord is a gentleman who does not earn his wealth. He has a host of agents and clerks that receive for him. He does not even take the trouble to spend his wealth. He has a host of people around him to do the actual spending. He never sees it until he comes to enjoy it. His sole function, his chief pride, is the stately consumption of wealth produced by others.

Summary

This quote criticizes the wealthy landlord, highlighting their lack of personal effort in accumulating wealth. The landlord is portrayed as someone who delegates the task of making money to agents and clerks, distancing themselves from the actual process. They also have a detachment from spending as they delegate that responsibility to others as well, only enjoying the wealth when it is already acquired. The main focus of their existence is presented as the lavish consumption of wealth that is produced by others, revealing a sense of pride in their ability to simply enjoy the fruits of others' labor.

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