In the middle classes the gifted son of a family is always the poorest -- usually a writer or artist with no sense for speculation -- and in a family of peasants, where the average comfort is just over penury, the gifted son sinks also, and is soon a tramp on the roadside.

Summary

This quote highlights the unfortunate reality that individuals who possess creative talents often struggle financially in certain social classes. In middle-class families, the gifted son, often an artist or writer, lacks the practical skills necessary for financial success. Similarly, even in peasant families where basic comforts are scarce, the talented son faces a similar fate, descending into poverty and becoming a wandering vagabond. The quote suggests that inherent societal structures and economic conditions can hinder the prosperity of individuals with creative abilities, trapping them in a cycle of financial struggle.

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