Misery and poverty are so absolutely degrading, and exercise such a paralysing effect over the nature of men, that no class is ever really conscious of its own suffering. They have to be told of it by other people, and they often entirely disbelieve them.

Summary

In this quote, the author highlights how misery and poverty can deteriorate individuals to such an extent that they become unaware of their own suffering. The harsh conditions they face have a debilitating impact on their spirits, making it difficult for them to recognize the extent of their predicament. As a result, they rely on others to bring their suffering to their attention and often struggle to acknowledge or accept it. The quote sheds light on the degrading nature of poverty and how it can cloud one's perception of their own hardships.

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