Nowadays the host does not admit you to his hearth, but has got the mason to build one for yourself somewhere in his alley, and hospitality is the art of keeping you at the greatest distance.

Summary

In this quote, the author is critiquing modern society's approach to hospitality. They suggest that in today's world, hosts do not personally welcome guests into their homes but provide alternative arrangements like rented rooms or apartments in their neighborhoods. The quote implies that this approach to hospitality increases physical distance between hosts and guests, and the personal connection and warmth traditionally associated with inviting someone into one's own home are lost. The phrase "keeping you at the greatest distance" highlights the growing detachment in contemporary hospitality practices.

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